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FROXTISPIECE. 


>' 


Page 329 






BALLYSHAI CASTLE: 


FOUNDED ON FACT. 


BY.SHEELAH. ^ 


By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the 
son of Pharaoh’s daughter. — ^H eb. xi. 24 



NEW YORK: 

N. TIBBALS, No. 100 NASSAU STEEET. 
I 1857 . 


Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, by 
NATHAN TIBBALS, 

In the Clerk’s OflSce of the District Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of New York. 


Miller & Holman, 
Printers and Stereotypers, N. Y. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE, 

ale in which the Religion of the Bible is displayed in its effects, in 

gh, low, and middle life ; and its influence on character beautifully 
delineated. It is a truthful, historical, and at the same time a fascinating 
Story, which, before it entered the press, received a most unqualified 
approbation of men of learning and piety, who had examined it in manu- 
script. 

We have received several letters from distinguished Divines, speaking 
approvingly of the above work, a few of which we append. 

Reo. Dr. Peck, M. E. Church. 

In this new book, the authoress has availed herself of striking narrative, 
with chaste embellishment, to place in a highly attractive form, the 
genuine spirit and life of Protestant Christianity. 

Here is one beautiful thrilling story, which young and old may read, not 
only without danger, but with much profit. 

Rev. Dr. Strickland, M. E. Church. 

“Balltshan Castle,’^ a tale founded on fact, by Sheelah. We are 
much pleased with the style in which this book is written. Its tone is 
admirable : its incidents bear a romantic hue, but we are assured they are 
supported by a basis of veritable facts, with which the authoress was 
familiar. 

Rev. E. F. Remington, Pro. E. Church. 

I would cheerfully recommend to all, and especially to the young, 
“ Ballyshan Castle.” It is full of the marrow of gospel truth, genial, 
tender, suggestive, remunerative, and a book which every sound church- 
man can take home to cheer and instruct the family circle. 

Rev. Dr. Dowling, Author of ^Dlistory of Romanism,^’ 8fc. 

“ Ballyshan Castle,” a tale founded on fact, by Sheelah. The book 
is one which cannot but be read with profit by every lover of a pure 
Protestant Christianity. The scenes it relates are of surpassing interest, 
and the greatest charm is, as the authoress tells us in her preface, “ that 
it is truth, and nothing but truth.’’ Though there is evidence enough 
that the authoress belongs to another Protestant denomination than that 
with which I stand connected, yet the spirit of the work is by no means 
sectarian, and I most cheerfully commend it to Protestants of every 
name. 

Rev. S. P. Hill, Chaplain U. S. Senate. 

It is a book of unquestionable truth for its basis, and combines with a 
chaste and cultivated style, the purest and safest sentiments. I cordially 
recommend it as in every respect free from those blemishes which mar so 
much of the current literature of the day, worthy a place in every family 
and in every sabbath school. 

Rev. R. W. Allen, East Boston, Mass. 

It is an excellent book, and might be scattered broadcast over the 
land. 


We also add a few extracts from the press : 

National Magazine. 

We find “ Ballyshan Castle” to he a strong, well-written Protestant 
tale ; and teaching, in the history of a true romantic adventure, the most 
wholesome truths. 


New York Evangelist. 

Few specimens of the religious novel are more perfectly unexception- 
able than this. The Story is told in a natural and pleasing style, and 
the interest is well sustained, without resort to the frequent resource of 
the mysterious or terrible ; the type of Christianity which it presents, 
although in connection with the Episcopal Church of Ireland, is thoroughly 
evangelical. Some of its scenes are deeply afiecting. The only incident 
to which we should object — and as a narrative founded on fact it is, of 
course, admissible — is the abduction of the hero while an infant from the 
home of his only surviving parent, in order to be educated in the Pro- 
testant Faith. 


Lion’s Herald. 

Its descriptions are vivid, and it is exceedingly well told. The blessings 
of Protestantism are distinctly brought out. 


New York Tribune. 

It is a spirited narrative, professedly drawn from facts in actual life, 
and devoted to the illustration and defense of the Protestant faith. With- 
out the dullness that often accompanies what are called religious novels, 
its animated delineations of personal experience, and its frequent touches 
of pathos, are suited to attract the attention of the reader ; while its dis- 
cussion of points of doctrine are suggestive and informing. 


Methodist Quarterly Review. 

The powers of imagination and fancy have been so grievously pros- 
tituted to unholy purposes, that we are suspicious of everything which 
they originate. Once in a great while, however, they find their legitimate 
sphere, and by powerful delineations of important truths do good service 
against the vices and superstitions of the age. Exactly this is what may 
be claimed for them in the production of “ Ballyshan Castle.” The staple 
of the book, we learn from the preface, is sober matter of fact, and its 
grand purpose is to expose the proscriptions and madness of Romanism 
and bring out the true heroism of the Protestant faith. The style is good’ 
the reading lively, pleasing, and instructive, and some of the scenes are 
deeply affecting. It will, we believe, do good. 

Published by N. TIBBALS & CO., 

118 Nassau Street, N. Y. 


PKEFACE. 


In submitting this book to the public we have only one 
favor to ask, and that is, that it may be read. Read it, and 
then you may approve, criticise, scold, laugh, or cry, just as 
you please. Eead it, and then lend it, give it to a friend, 
throw it out of doors or into the fire, or snugly lay it away 
among your gems and rubbish. Only read it, and you will 
give us just as good a chance of success as you have given 
others who once were candidates for public favor, and if we 
fail, then we must give it up or try again. Fail ! Now, 
did you ever know an Authorm to fail? If you did, we 
are perfectly certain it was not this writer. For very good 
reasons — which; however, we do not choose to introduce 
here — we have the proud satisfaction of knowing that we 
have never failed ; and that is more than many of our prede- 
cessors and competitors will dare to say. 

As for the book, it is truth, and nothing but truth. The 
hero of the tale lives, and we know he will not bring the 
charge of exaggeration against us. The most essential and 


IV 


PREFACE. 


marvelous incidents of tlie story are literal facts ; and, if we 
are any judge — and sure we are^ or, with our fresh, warm, 
true, old-Irish heart, we could never have written this book 
— ^it is truth to nature, and we believe that to be the highest 
style of truth. 

You may, perhaps, just now, be inclined to join with all 
the curious Yankees, and ask, who is Sheelah To this 
we have only to reply, you shall know^ if ever, when it will 
be of more importance to you and to her. 


BALLTSHAN CASTLE. 


CHAPTEB I. 

Can two walk together, except they be agreed ? — Amos 3 : 3. 

That ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in 
the same judgment. — 1 Cor. 1 : 10. 

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what 
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what 
communion hath light with darkness ? — 2 Cor. 6 : 14. 

The sun had long passed his meridian, and was 
moving in stately splendor towards the western 
horizon ; while his mellow light descended in slant- 
ing beams upon a large meadow, where a number 
of peasants of both sexes were gayly occupied in 
making hay. The long grass the scythe had leveled 
was spread over the field, which numberless forks 
and rakes were busily engaged in shaking up, and 
drawing together into little heaps. 


2 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Upon one of those small mounds of fresh and per- 
fumed hay were seated two young ladies, who, from 
being dressed alike, as well as the resemblance that 
existed between them, were evidently sisters. They 
appeared to be engaged in conversation of a serious 
nature, from the gravity that was observable on their 
countenances ; even tears sprung to the eyes of the 
elder as she continued, in tones of emotion : 

“ Oh, Ellen ! how can you call me unkind ? how can 
you say I don’t love you, when you well know that 
I never sought my own pleasure before yours, and 
that I have ever felt for you the strongest affection 
with which Christian sisters are required to regard 
each other? You have always been a favorite with 
those who knew you, and few have ever seen you 
without loving you ; but no heart ever beat with 
a fonder or truer affection for you than hers to 
whom your present conduct is a sore and heavy 
trial.” 

“I did not mean to charge you with unkindness, 
dear Kate, nor with want of affection either,” was 
the soft reply ; “ I only had reference to the present 
case, where, instead of trying to promote my happi- 
ness, you are lending your influence to oppose it. 
Of course it would be better if he were a Protestant ; 
but, whatever the faults and errors of the Catholic 
Church may. be, you cannot but admit that he is 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


3 


amiable and good-hearted. What, then, have I to 
apprehend ?” 

Kate sighed, and shook her head. Then, look- 
ing fondly in her sister’s face, solemnly repeated 
the inquiry of the prophet : 

“ ‘ Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the 
leopard his spots ? then may ye also do good that are 
taught to do evil.’ ” 

“ ‘That are accustomed to do evil,’ are the Scrip- 
ture words,” observed Ellen, “ and must apply to 
the wicked.” 

“I have quoted the passage according to the 
marginal reading,” said Kate, “ which is, per- 
haps, the best translation. I think the Lord is 
addressing his own people, who have- been led 
astray by idolatrous rulers ; for, if you recollect 
a few verses preceding, he demands of the king and 
queen, ‘ Where is the flock that was given thee, thy 
beautiful flock V and, in the after-part of the chap- 
ter, we find the Lord threatening his people with 
punishment, ‘ because they have forgotten Him, and 
trusted in falsehood.’ And 0, Ellen, love!” she 
continued, while tears flooded her pensive eyes, 
“are you sure that he, on whom your heart is fixed, 
though neither wicked nor unamiable, has not 
‘forgotten God, and trusted in falsehood?’ And 
how can you expect that he will ‘ do good, who 


4 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


has been taught to do evil, when the Bible declares 
that as soon may ‘ the Ethiopian change his skin, or 
the leopard his spots.’ ” 

The conversation closed here, neither seeming dis- 
posed to continue it. The present subject was the 
first on which the sisters had ever disagreed ; and 
the circumstance was equally painful to each. 

After a long silence, during which both seemed 
deeply absorbed in thought, they were startled by 
a cheerful voice at their side, exclaiming, 

“Why, girls, I expected to find you walking about, 
instead of lounging in the hay !” 

The young ladies immediately rose, and, en- 
deavoring to conceal the traces of recent emotion, 
gayly inquired of the new-comer — whom they ad- 
dressed as Mr. Harman, and whose garb declared 
his clerical calling — if he had come in search of 
them. He replied in the negative, but added that he 
had seen them walk in that direction, and had bent 
his steps thither to inhale the perfume of the 
meadow, and to speak to some of the laborers; 
“and now come,” he said, presenting an arm to 
each of the girls, “ let us take one turn round the 
field, and then hasten home to tea.” 

Kate and Ellen Martin were the daughters of a 
worthy and respectable farmer, who occupied a 
handsome tract of land in one of the midland 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


5 


counties of Ireland. Their mother had died in their 
early childhood, leaving them and their brother, 
who was a few years their senior, to the care of 
their widowed grandmother ; who again resumed the 
charge of the house, which she had resigned on her 
son’s marriage. Mr. Martin never took another 
wife, though the neighbors often canvassed the 
subject, and several young ladies were at different 
times marked out as the future mistress of Spring- 
farm ; yet time rolled on, and the most confident 
predictions were unfulfilled, the old lady continuing, 
until her death, in undisturbed possession of the 
domestic authority. 

The children were trained with exceeding care ; 
not that there was any severity exercised to- 
wards them, or stiff rules laid down, by which 
their little lives should be modeled; but the 
utmost particularity was observed respecting the 
society they mixed with, the habits they formed, 
and the sentiments they imbibed. Equal caution 
was also deemed necessary respecting the education 
they received, which was duly watched over by 
their father. During their childhood, he was him- 
self their only teacher. Grouped round his knees 
on the summer evenings, or by the winter’s fire, with 
their little faces raised towards his, they listened 
with eager pleasure, while he narrated Scripture 


6 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


stories, sketches of history, or anecdotes of good and 
amiable children. Thus, even before they could 
read, their infant minds were stored with much that 
was valuable ; and a love of learning acquired, that 
assisted them materially in their after-studies. Nor 
were they idle while their father was absent, en- 
gaged in the superintendence of his farm ; for their 
little primers were conned over, and their slates 
covered with all sorts of large round letters and 
figures, and wonderful copies of houses, and trees, 
and horses, which filled grandmamma’s heart with 
delight. Next came large spelling-books with read- 
ing lessons in, and juvenile geography, grammar, 
arithmetic, and history books, with paper, pens and 
pencils, until grandmamma became astonished at 
the marvelous progress of the little dears ; and en- 
tertained Mrs. Knox, the rector’s lady, upon all 
occasions, with detailed accounts of their rare 
talents. 

But the time came, when it was found neces- 
sary to procure more instruction for them than 
their father was competent to impart ; and how to 
obtain this, was now the object of consideration. 
Mr. Knox suggested boarding-schools ; but neither 
Mr. Martin nor his kind-hearted mother could bear the 
thought of the children being separated from them. 
Mrs. Martin wished for a governess, as a pleasant 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


7 


addition to their little circle ; but this was objected to 
on the part of the farmer : he was a single man, and 
the neighbors had already entertained themselves at 
his expense — how, then, would it be if an accom- 
plished woman became a resident in his house ? He 
could not treat her disrespectfully, and, if he showed 
her the commonest attention, remarks would be in- 
evitable. The matter was, therefore, allowed to rest 
for the present, until something should be thought 
of more satisfactory to all parties. 

It was not long, however, before an eligible oppor- 
tunity was discovered. Mr. Cosgreve, who for seven 
years had resided in the parish as curate, received 
the presentation of a very comfortable living in an 
adjoining county, by which Mr. Knox was under the 
necessity of procuring another assistant ; and a 
young gentleman was introduced to his notice, who, 
it was thought, would prove a worthy successor to 
the much-esteemed Mr. Cosgreve. 

William Harman was the son of a parochial school- 
master in the town of Athlone, and had been edu- 
cated by his father with the unambitious expecta- 
tion of one day holding a similar occupation. But 
the boy soon showed talents that fitted him for 
a higher sphere of usefulness ; his mind was of a 
decidedly serious turn ; and his heart was early im- 
pressed with the importance of religion ; his love of 


8 


EALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


learning, also, was intense ; and the hours, that were 
spent by other youths in pleasure, were, by him, 
devoted to diligent and arduous study. He soon 
devoured all the learning that was within his reach ; 
and his father, seeing what his inclinations led to, 
determined, if possible, to forward him. He accord- 
ingly made interest to have him received as junior 
usher in a large gentleman’s academy in the neigh- 
borhood, where, by teaching all he was master of, 
he, in his turn, received instructions in higher 
branches. His progress here was rapid, while his 
conduct and deportment were so amiable and exem- 
plary, that he won universal esteem, and filled his 
father’s heart with proud delight. He afterwards 
entered Trinity College as a sizar, where, by the 
most indefatigable efforts, and with but little assist- 
ance, he worked his way upwards, until he became 
a candidate for holy orders. 

It was without any doubt of the genuineness 
of his call to preach the Gospel to perishing 
sinners, that William Harman prepared to enter 
the Church. From a child he had known the 
Holy Scriptures, and the power of God to for- 
give sins had been early revealed to his own soul. 
Since then he had devoted himself to his Master’s 
service— had preached, by his spotless example, 
a living sermon in his Saviour’s cause— and when 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


9 


the venerable Bishop of Meath ordained him to the 
curacy of Ballyshan, the solemn ceremony seemed 
to him more like the ratification of a previous 
command to labor in his Lord’s vineyard, than the 
receiving of a new commission to that effect. When 
Mr. Martin understood the arrangement that had 
been entered into, and that the gentleman who was 
engaged to fill Mr. Cosgreve’s place was a young 
man of humble origin, who possessed no fortune 
beyond the small salary he should receive from Mr. 
Knox, his benevolent heart suggested that, as the 
stranger would have to procure lodgings in the 
neighborhood, he might do him a kindness by offer- 
ing him a home at Springfarm, for as long as it 
should suit his convenience to avail himself of it; 
and, immediately acting upon the thought, he men- 
tioned the subject to Mr. Knox, who was highly 
pleased with the good farmer’s kind hospitality, and 
engaged to mention his invitation to Mr. Harman on 
his arrival, and recommend it to his acceptance. 

The entrance of the new curate into the parish of 
Ballyshan was an event of some importance to the. 
Protestant part of the community, who, having been 
strongly attached to the excellent Mr. Cosgreve, 
were under the jealous apprehension, that his suc- 
cessor, a young man just emancipated from college, 

must, of necessity, be greatly inferior. Of all this the 
1 * 


10 


- BALLY SHAN CASTLE. 


rector informed Mr. Harman, on the first day of his 
arrival ; to which the latter simply replied, that he 
would endeavor to do his duty, and leave the rest to 
Providence. 

The subject of Mr. Martin’s proposal was next 
introduced, Mr. Knox being careful to impress 
upon his listener the respectability and moral 
worth of the farmer, the good rector seeming to 
take pleasure in enumerating his amiable qualities, 
and praising the consistent piety of his Christian 
walk — he concluded by saying, that if Mr. Harman 
wished, he would walk over to Springfarm with 
him in the evening, and introduce him, and he had 
no doubt but he would find the “ prophet’s cham- 
ber” already prepared for his reception. The young 
curate heard with pleasure the generous offer that 
was thus pressed upon him ; and, though he declined 
establishing himself permanently upon another’s 
bounty, yet, for the present, until his arrangements 
should be more fully made, he frankly accepted 
Mr. Martin’s hospitality, in the spirit in which it 
was offered. 

We now come to that part of our story when a 
change of ministers in Ballyshan church affected 
the educational interests of the little Martins. Mr. 
Harman was not many days at Springfarm until he 
observed the disadvantages under which they suffer- 


BALLYSHAX CASTLE. 


11 


ed. Thomas was now in his thirteenth year, and 
his sisters of the ages of ten and nine ; and, though 
their education was already quite as good as that 
of most children of their class, yet their de- 
sire for learning was far from being satisfied; 
and grandmamma, who fondly believed that they 
were endowed with more than ordinary talents, 
continually deplored their lack of instruction — he, 
therefore, felt happy in being able to oblige the. 
family, to whom he considered himself indebted, by 
proffering to teach Thomas Latin. The offer was 
received with joyful gratitude; the boy fairly danced 
with delight, while his father hastened over to the 
rectory, to inform Mr. Knox of the happy chance. 

The good pastor had always interested himself in 
the temporal as well as spiritual interests of his 
parishioners ; and, during the twenty years that he 
had resided among them, there was scarcely a cir- 
cumstance of either joy or sorrow that occurred to 
any Protestant in Ballyshan with which the rector 
was not immediately acquainted, and was ready with 
congratulation, condolence, or advice, as the case 
might require. But for the family at Springfarm, 
he entertained more than common regard ; for, 
though in that age of bigotry and party feeling, 
when hatred to “Pope and Popery” was the ruling 
spirit among the church-going community, there 


12 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


were, doubtless, many as staunch Protestants as John 
Martin, yet there were few as good Bible Christians, 
and none — be they high or be they low — with 
whom Mr. Knox and his family sustained a more 
alfectionate intimacy. It was, therefore, with no 
small pleasure that he entered into the subject of 
Thomas’s advancement, and expressed the warmest 
approbation of Mr. Harman’s readiness to contribute 
towards it. 

“But he shall not lose by it!” exclaimed the 
farmer ; “ and now, Mr. Knox, one part of my busi- 
ness with you is, to consult as to how I can re- 
munerate him without appearing to do so. I was 
thinking of making him a present of a handsome 
riding horse, which he will have occasion for in his 
pastoral visitations. What say you, sir?” 

The minister cast a glance of admiration at his gener- 
ous parishioner ; and, after a short pause, suggested 
that they should adjourn to the drawing-room and- 
talk the matter over with Mrs. Knox,^ who was 
always most happy to take a part in anything which 
concerned the juvenile portion of society, whom 
she affectionately spoke of as the lambs of Christ’s 
flock. It was, therefore, soon arranged, with that 
lady’s concurrence, that instead of Thomas merely 
learning Latin, and Mr. Harman receiving a present 
in return for his trouble, proposals should be made 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


13 


to that gentleman to take all the children for a 
small portion of each day — as much as he could 
conveniently spare from his clerical duties — and 
instruct them in such branches as he should find 
suitable to their tastes and capacities, Mr. Martin 
agreeing to pay him a sufficient remunerative salary ; 
thus each party would be benefiting the other with- 
out either being laid under obligations. As soon 
as this conclusion was arrived at, a messenger was 
dispatched to Springfarm, requesting Mr. Harman’s 
company to tea — Mr. Knox being impatient to have 
the matter settled at once. 

The young curate was much pleased with the 
arrangement ; teaching was a favorite employment 
of his, much of his time having been neces- 
sarily occupied in that way during his own edu- 
cational course ; besides that he had become 
attached to the Martin family, and felt that it 
would be difficult to find happier quarters than 
those which their capacious and hospitable home- 
stead afforded. An agreement was, therefore, entered 
into, to the entire satisfaction of all parties; and, 
after doing full justice to Mrs. Knox’s tea and hot 
cakes, and conversing a while upon topics of gener- 
al interest, Mr. Martin and his young friend took 
their leave, and returned to Springfarm together, to 
inform grandmamma and the children of the turn 


14 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


affairs had taken. This weighty business being now 
disposed of, it is not necessary that we should fol- 
low the studies of our young friends — suffice it to 
say, that they learned apace, artd that eacli day but 
added to the mutual affection and confidence that 
subsisted between pupils and preceptor. 

In the mean time, the prosperity of the Church was 
Mr. Harman’s chief concern. He had accompanied 
Mr. Knox in his pastoral visits, until he became per- 
sonally acquainted with every family under his cleri- 
cal supervision. He next established weekly lectures 
at some of the outposts of the parish, so that those 
who pleaded distance from the church, as an excuse 
for not attending divine service, might not be alto- 
gether without the “bread of life.” He also regu- 
larly visited the parochial schools, one of which 
was in each village, examining the children, from 
time to time, as to their general progress. He also 
formed catechetical classes for the religious instruc- 
tion of youths of both sexes. Nor was he absent 
from the bedsides of the sick and the afflicted — this 
part of his duty was faithfully and punctually at- 
tended to ; and many dying sinners, who had spent 
life’s best days in the service of “ the world, the 
flesh, and the devil,” in their last extremity were 
urgently directed to a crucified Redeemer, and 
sought and obtained mercy at the eleventh hour. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


15 


The pulpit also excited his youthful zeal. When 
first Mr. Knox entered the parish, twenty years be- 
fore, he had found plenty of Protestantism, but very 
little true Christianity ; for though Anti-popery clubs 
and Orange factions were numerous enough through 
the country, the religion of the meek- and lowly 
Jesus was little known and little cared for. Mr. 
Knox was a good man, and, as far as was known in 
his day, a pious and devoted man, and had striven, 
with the energy of an apostle, to improve the mor- 
als of the people, and to establish religion after the 
Scripture plan. He was also particular as to the 
gentlemen whom he engaged as curates, anxious 
that the seed which he planted should be duly 
watered. Thus, much good was effected through 
his means, until Ballyshan became popular for the 
upright and respectable character of its inhabitants. 

But a deeper work was still necessary. G-reat 
changes had occurred in the religious world since 
Mr. Knox had been a divinity student. The doc- 
trine of the “New Birth” had been promulgated in 
the different Protestant countries of Europe, and 
had also found its way to Ireland. The brotiiers 
Wesley had preached it there, and their followers 
were now spreading it throughout the land. Still 
the “new light” did not shine everywhere, and 
startling was the effect, when Mr. Harman read for 


16 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


his text, a few Sundays after his arrival in Ballyshan, 
that dimly understood declaration, “ye must be 
born again.” ^ 

His sermon was simple, eloquent, and earnest; 
and amongst the most absorbed and deeply in- 
terested of his listeners was the rector himself. 
The subject was not new to him, though it was 
the first time he had had the privilege of hearing 
it discussed and explained by a living witness ; and 
he was determined to profit by the occasion. He 
had been aware that Mr. Harman was a believer in 
the doctrine of regeneration, and it was not without 
a view to his own enlightenment in the matter, as 
well as the general weal of the parish, that he secured 
the services of that gentleman. He now showed his 
flock an example of “hearing the word with meek- 
ness,” as he sat in the communion recess in an atti- 
tude of dignified and respectful attention, while the 
young disciple expounded his Saviour’s words, and 
gently, but clearly and impressively, set forth the 
long line of arguments which his text suggested. 
His voice was manly, sweet, and full of pathos ; his 
action was graceful and impulsive ; his address fer- 
vent, affectionate, and heart-felt : every eye was fix- 
ed upon him, every ear was set to catch each syl- 
lable that fell from his lips ; and when, after a short 
pause, he glanced round upon his audience, and. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


17 


stretching his hands towards them, exclaimed, while 
his face beamed with solemn rapture, “Brethren, ‘ we 
speak that we do know ! ’ ” there was not a heart 
present which refused the fullest credence to that 
grand assertion ; and again, when he added his own 
experience to the list of testimony he had already 
produced respecting the work of the Holy Spirit up- 
on the human heart, and wound up his concluding 
remarks with that declaration of St. Paul : “ not by 
works of righteousness which we have done, but 
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing 
of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, 
which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus 
Christ our Saviour,” there were few in that as- 
sembly who did not feel that his words had been 
accompanied with a divine unction, and that their 
own souls had been refreshed and watered from on 
high. 

At the close of the service, when the two clergy- 
men entered the vestry to unrobe, Mr. Knox grasped 
the young man’s hand and shook it warmly, 
though he seemed too full to speak, and from 
that hour a bond of brotherhood was sealed between 
them ; so that, like Christian and Hopeful, they trod 
the remainder of their ministerial pilgrimage to- 
gether, and by their sweet intercourse assisting, 
cherishing, and edifying each other, until, in spite 


18 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


of the difference of age, and of previous habits and 
feelings, they seemed actuated by one spirit, one 
soul, one sentiment — thus fulfilling to the utmost 
extent of requirement, the Grospel law of love. 

Now it was that the seed, Mr. Knox had been so long 
patiently sowing, began to shoot forth, “ and herein is 
that saying true, one soweth, and another reapeth.” 
But they are all fellow-laborers in the work of the 
Lord, and it matters not who soweth or who reapeth, 
who planteth or who watereth, so the harvest be pro- 
perly attended to and the fruit all gathered into 
the Lord’s garner. The old church of Ballyshan 
was now regularly filled, not with respectable for- 
malists or self-righteous pharisees, but for the most 
part with an humble and prayerful people, many of 
whom were inquiring their way to Zion with their 
faces thitherward. The outward services of religion, 
too, soon became endued with life ; and, instead of the 
beautiful prayers of the liturgy being read alone by 
the minister, and assented to by the feeble response 
of the old clerk, a full choir of earnest voices now 
joined in each answering appeal, until the petitions 
of priest and people simultaneously rose, before the 
throne of grace. There had also been, previous to 
this, a reluctance on the part of the congregation 
to comply with the formal invitation to “ sing to the 
glory and praise of God,” and that part of the ex- 


BA^LYSHAN CASTLE. 


19 


ercise was also left to the clerk, assisted by a few 
of the school-children who had good voices ; but 
now, the curate sung in loud clear tones in the 
reading-desk, and soft, sweet strains issued from juve- 
nile lips in Mr. Martin’s pew, other voices soon join- 
ed the chorus, until at length all remains of timidity 
or affectation had disappeared, and rich and poor, 
rising together, united in one loud peal of sweet and 
solemn harmony. 

Nor did the matter rest here — the spirit of re- 
spectful interest, that had been aroused for the 
services of God’s house, was soon manifested towards 
the sacred edifice itself ; and many were the little 
renovations and adornments that were effected, 
by private contribution, in the church and its 
precincts. A higher ambition was also developed, 
when some of the gentry of the parish consulted 
Mr. Knox as to the feasibility of having an organ 
erected on the gallery, which, they thought, would 
be a. material assistance to the musical part of their 
devotions. The good rector was pleased with any- 
thing that tended to fan the fire of religion, and a 
subscription was immediately set on foot, by which 
a sufficient sum was collected to procure a small and 
suitable instrument, and a yearly fund established 
for the payment of the organist — a gentleman 
having been induced to come from Dublin to fill 


20 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


that office, with the hope of making a handsome 
livelihood by teaching music in families of wealth 
and respectability throughout the country. 

We shall now return to our friends at Springfarm, for 
whose sakes we have thus wandered round Ballyshan, 
and made ourselves acquainted with the religious 
history of the parish. With them, life continued 
gliding like a clear and tranquil stream. Thomas 
was growing a tall and graceful youth, of gentle- 
manly bearing, and mild and prepossessing manners. 
His sisters, too, were beginning to attract general 
attention. Kate, the eldest, was a fair and elegant 
girl, of fine form and noble features, whose coun- 
tenance exhibited more than common intelligence ; 
while the thoughtful expression of her deep-blue 
eyes, added to the suavity of her tone and stability of 
her manners, gained for her the reputation of possess- 
ing more sense and discretion than usually fall to 
the share of young and inexperienced maidens. 

But Ellen, from her extreme beauty, and the winning 
sweetness of her disposition, became the belle of the 
whole country round. She had ever been the pet 
and idol of the family — and what family is there 
that has not a pet? Though parents may endeavor to 
conceal the partiality, and other members of the 
circle may kindly portray the high qualities of the 
less favored ones, yet there are few households 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE* 


21 


that do not contain one — ^whether boy or girl, 
whether first-born or last — who maintains a strong- 
er hold on the affections, and enjoys certain immu- 
nities that the others do not think of aspiring to. 
Such was the case with our “ little Ellen,” as she was 
fondly called — her being the youngest entitled her 
to the indulgence and forbearance of the elder chil- 
dren, while her strong resemblance to his lost wife 
endeared her in a peculiar manner to her father’s 
heart ; and her utter helplessness at the time of her 
mother’s death — being scarcely three years of age — 
recommended her so effectually to grandmamma’s 
consideration, that no one stood before her there. 
Thus it was that she usurped her sister and brother’s 
playthings, and received no reprimand ; or climbed 
her father’s knee and kissed away the cloud that 
sometimes rested on his widowed brow ; and, with 
less prudence still, clung to grandmamma’s skirts 
when the old lady was engaged in her domestic 
affairs, interrupting the busiest moments with her 
childish prattle. 

Nor did time reduce her privileges, or the pro- 
gress of years, in stealing away her infantile 
charms, abate her influence ; on the contrary, her 
winning ways and lovely nature so wound them- 
selves around every heart in the household, that 
the little beauty reigned sole empress over the 


22 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


whole region of Springfarm. Even the conscien- 
tious tutor, who so often determined to resist 
her witcheries, was generally overcome in the 
struggle — for who could withstand the pleading 
look and silvery voice that petitioned “ dear, good 
Mr. Harman” to acquiescence? It was no use put- 
ting on a serious face, and even trying to get up a 
frown. The little suppliant knew better. The 
curate was not a stoic, after all, and eventually 
found himself coaxed out of an indulgence that the 
other children would not have presumed to seek. 

We shall now pass over a few years, during which 
no important change occurred among our friends. 
The young people continued their studies under Mr. 
Harman, and that gentleman still distributed the 
“ bread of life ” with his accustomed zeal and energy. 
Mr.Kobinson, the organist, had married the daughter 
of a wealthy farmer, and settled in a pretty house 
in the town of Ballyshan, whence sweet sounds 
were constantly issuing, produced, no doubt, by the 
aspirants to musical fame who daily flocked to him 
for instruction in that science. Nor had Mr. Martin 
neglected to seize the opportunity thus afforded of 
adding another branch to his children’s education, 
and a handsome piano-forte was soon procured, on 
which the girls made rapid proficiency. Thomas, 
also, at his father’s desire, took lessons on the vio- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


23 


lin ; but after rasping and scraping for three months, 
vainly endeavoring to execute “ God save the 
King,” and “ The Boyne Water,” he threw it aside 
in disgust, to the great relief of Ellen, who declared 
that whatever talent he might have for Homer or 
Euclid, he would never make even a mediocre 
musician. 

The time was now approaching when Spring- 
farm would have to mourn its old and honored 
mistress, and society be deprived of one of its most 
valuable and beloved members. Mrs. Martin had 
been blessed with an excellent constitution, which 
had never been impaired by indolence or intemper- 
ance, nor injured by storms of passion. The only 
real grief which she had ever suffered had been 
occasioned by the death of her kind and amiable 
husband ; but, even under this blow, her wounded 
spirit did not sink — she felt it was the Lord’s doing, 
and, bowing her head to the Divine decree, set her- 
self to the training and educating of her son, and 
conducting the business of the farm, until he should 
be of age. Since then her life had passed in peace 
and contentment, and she retained her health and 
vigor to an advanced season. It was, therefore, a 
shock of no common nature when her affectionate 
family were called upon to give her up, and it was 
many months before the household recovered its 


24 : 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


usual tone — for the good old lady was so identified 
with every fond association, that it seemed as if her 
memory was embalmed forever ; and long after the 
tall grass had again grown around the family tomb, 
beneath which her kind heart slept, “ dear grand- 
mamma” was sighed for in the parlor, and “poor 
old mistress” was recalled in the kitchen, with a 
tenacity of affection that could find no equal substi- 
tute. 

The next circumstance of any note that occurred 
amongst our friends was the marriage of Thomas. 
The old lady’s death had left a vacancy that was 
sensibly felt, not only in the house but all through 
the neighborhood ; not that the young persons, 
upon whom the domestic cares now devolved, 
were deficient in the art of housekeeping, or that 
they were less amiable towards those around them 
than their honored predecessor had been, but Spring- 
farm had never before been without a matron mis- 
tress; and the fact of young maidens, however 
competent, holding the reins of government in 
that ancient homestead, appeared so great an incon- 
gruity, that Thomas received more than one hint 
from his father, of the part that he was expected to 
act towards supplying the defect. 

The young man had no objection to this arrange- 
ment, especially as, for some time past, his eye had 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


25 


rested admiringly on Miss Margaret McNeil, the 
daughter of a neighboring farmer. The subject 
was, therefore, duly considered, and, with the 
concurrence of Mr. Knox and Mr. Harman, it was 
decided to be a wise and suitable match. Pro- 
posals were accordingly made, which were cheerfully 
accepted ; and, after a reasonable time had been 
devoted to necessary preparations, the marriage was 
joyously celebrated — so that, in little more than a 
year after old Mrs. Martin was carried from the 
portal with tears and wailing, young Mrs. Martin 
was led in thither with smiling welcome. 

But who shall tell the tender memories that rent 
the good farmer’s heart at the sight of that happy 
train. The last wedding that was held within 
those walls had been his own. Twenty-five years 
had rolled their rapid rounds since he, too, in 
the strength of youthful manhood, had led a 
beauteous bride across that threshold; and he, too 
— his generous arm supporting a form more pre- 
cious to him than the world’s wide boundaries — 
had bent to receive a parent’s blessing. A few 
bright years had shed their sunshine on his heart, 
and “ the desire of his eyes was taken from him 
with a stroke.” How great must have been the 
self-command with which he now maintained a 

calm exterior, as his mind wandered back upon those 
2 


26 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


elysian fields. No wonder that there was so much 
of sad solemnity in his manner, as, raising his eyes 
and hands to heaven, he uttered, in a deep, low voice, 
‘‘ May the Grod of thy fathers bless thee, Thomas and 
Margaret ; may you live long and happy ; may you 
together see your children and your children’s children 
surrounding your knees ; and at last, when done 
with the scenes of earth, may you have a happy 
reunion in the eternal world.” 

The wedding festivities did not last long. A few 
days saw the old farm restored to its usual tran- 
quillity, and the fair bride installed at the head of 
the domestic affairs, the keys having been gracefully 
delivered to her by Miss Martin. The family now 
again indulged in social visiting, which had been 
suspended during the long and dreary months of 
mourning. Parties were given, in honor of the 
bridal, in almost every house around — each vying 
who should show most respectful attention to this 
justly-esteemed family. 

At the same time, rejoicings of another nature were 
carried on in the neighborhood; so that it was a 
season of more than usual gayety. Denis O’Dough- 
erty, Esq., the young proprietor of the Ballyshan 
estates, had just attained his majority, and returned 
in triumph to take possession of his paternal acres. 
He had been an orphan from his birth. The estates 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


27 


had, therefore, been placed in Chancery, and a re- 
ceiver appointed over them — the infant owner being 
committed to the care of suitable guardians, whose 
duty it was to have him instructed not only in 
the usual routine of a polite education, but also 
in the strict faith of the Komish Church, as a 
future representative of the Catholic aristocracy 
of the country, in view of which the most assidu- 
ous attention was paid to his training by the 
priests who were appointed his religious directors. 
At a proper time he entered college, where he 
continued during the remainder of his minority ; and 
at the expiration of which he flew, on the wings of 
hope and desire, to the possession of that wealth 
and freedom which he had so long fondly antici- 
pated. 

He was received by his tenantry with the wildest 
demonstrations of welcome. His father had been 
a kind and encouraging landlord, whose religion 
and whose politics were the same as theirs; and, 
what is most highly appreciated by an Irish 
tenantry, suffering from all the impoverishing re- 
sults of absenteeism, had lived among them, spend- 
ing his time and his money on the soil they tilled. 
It is not, then, to be wondered at that the announce- 
ment of the young proprietor’s expected arrival 
should be received by them with exuberant joy, and 


28 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


that every preparation should be made, which a 
grateful and warm-hearted people could devise, to 
give “ his honor” a cordial and enthusiastic recep- 
tion. Accordingly, triumphal arches were raised in 
various places along the road by which he was to 
travel, and every village, through which he was to 
pass, was adorned for the occasion — the cabins being 
neatly whitewashed and dressed with boughs and 
bouquets, imparting a cheerful gayety to the scene, 
which, together with the shouts of welcome that 
filled the air, could not fail to please the eye and 
gladden the heart of the young stranger who was 
coming to find his home amongst them. 

As Mr. O’Dougherty entered upon his own territory, 
he was met by large crowds in their holiday attire, on 
horse and foot, with banners, mottoes, and bands of 
music. A party of bold peasantry hastily detached 
the horses from his carriage, and, seizing the traces 
in their hands, drew him with speed and alacrity 
along, while the very children, as he passed, flour- 
ished their little hats in the air, and poured their 
hearty “ cead mille falthaghs” on his ear. In this 
way he was conducted for miles of the road, while 
hundreds contended for the pleasure of helping “ to 
bring his honor home to th’ ould place.” 

A similar welcome awaited him at the castle, on 
the part of the domestics, who ranged themselves 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


29 


round the old hall, which was tastefully hung with 
garlands of flowers, and testified their devotional at- 
tachment to the ancient house of O’Dougherty with 
the mixture of deference and affection with which 
they greeted its new representative. 

The young man entered, accompanied by the Rev. 
Mr. Maguire, P. P., and a few friends. His first act 
was to accost the old butler, who had dwelt in the 
castle forty years, and bowed his silver head as he 
bad him welcome to the home of his ancestors. 
He shook the aged servant warmly by the hand, 
expressing a wish that, while by every one else 
he was regarded as master, by him he should be 
considered in the light of a friend. He then kindly 
and condescendingly noticed the other servants, 
hoping that they and he might be mutually pleased 
with each other. The remainder of the day was 
devoted to feasting and merriment — orders having 
been transmitted beforehand that entertainments 
should be prepared upon a bountiful and magnifi- 
cent scale, so that high and low, rich and poor, 
old and young, might once more enjoy the generous 
hospitality of Ballyshan Castle. 

Mr. O’Dougherty soon became popular on his own 
account, as well as that of the lofty family to which 
he belonged. With birth, education, and wealth, 
which placed him on a footing with the peers of his 


30 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


country, he yet mingled freely with the people, 
identifying himself with their interests, and taking 
a personal insight of their affairs, with the hope of 
ameliorating their condition, soon gaining for himself 
the reputation of a good landlord, a good neighbor, 
and a good Catholic. 

With the family at Springfarm the young gentle- 
man soon became intimate. There was a degree 
of intelligence and refinement there that was not 
everywhere to be met with, and, before he had 
been many months a resident in the country, 
he frequently found himself forsaking the saloons 
of the great, for a seat at the farmer’s fireside. At 
first this occasioned no surprise, for the Martin family 
had always been treated by the neighboring gentry 
with so much respect that they had become accus- 
tomed to it ; but it soon appeared evident that the 
young man’s frequent visits had a stronger motive 
than mere friendly interest. The fact was, his fastidi- 
ous eye, which had seen unmoved the proud daughters 
of the aristocracy, had found, in the inimitable grace 
and loveliness of our little Ellen, all that his warm 
and ardent heart could centre in; while she, poor 
child, flattered by the courtly attentions of one so 
much above her, and dazzled by the brilliant pros- 
pect of the splendor and happiness that awaited her 
as his wife, closed her ears against the earnest 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


31 


warnings of her alarmed friends, trusting, with the 
simplicity of inexperience, that the love which she 
read in each tender glance, and heard in every 
thrilling tone, was strong enough to protect her 
against any evil that their opposite faiths might 
produce. Such was the state of affairs when the 
conversation occurred with which our story com- 


mences. 


CHAPTER II. 

The Lord is righteous ; for I have rebelled against his command- 
ment. — Lam. 1 : 18. 

Before I was afflicted I went astray ; but now have I kept thy 
word . — Psalm 119 : 67. 

A CLOUD now rested over the social happiness of 
Springfarm. Music could not dispel it ; conversa- 
tion was resorted to in vain. An air of anxiety 
rested upon every brow, and every heart seemed 
heavy. Mr. O’Dougherty had formally proposed for 
the hand of Ellen, and had urged his suit with a 
fervor and energy that would take no denial ; and 
though the disparity in their ranks was an impedi- 
ment between them, and the difference in their 
creeds a still stronger barrier, yet, so intense was 
the passion that filled all the avenues of his bosom, 
that he determined neither of these obstacles should 
prevent his union with the object of his affections ; 
while Mr. Martin, who could not, in the face of his 
conscience and his religion, grant his consent, also 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


33 


found himself unable to look upon his weeping 
child, and sternly forbid what he saw was necessary 
to her happiness. 

Thomas, with less patience, in the proud strength 
of early manhood, who knew not, as yet, a father’s 
feelings, denounced his young sister as an enthusiast, 
bidding her cast the Popish idol from her heart, and, 
humbling herself before the altar, implore forgive- 
ness for having admitted it there. 

But the old farmer did not expect this stoical 
self-denial from “little Ellen,” she who had 
never heard an angry word, never suffered a dis- 
appointment. She, whose young life had been all 
sunshine, whose tender spirit had been nurtured 
upon kind looks and loving words, could not have 
strength to conquer this first attachment ; nor could 
her fond father command her to do so. His pa- 
rental heart yearned in affectionate sympathy 
towards her, and keen was the anguish that wrung 
his bosom, and the emotion that shook his voice, as 
he exclaimed, in answer to her gentle pleading, 
“Child of my heart, I cannot! Ask of me any 
other boon, even to the half of my property ; but to 
deliver you a victim into the hands of Popery, 

^ whose tender mercies are cruel,’ 0, Ellen, darling, 
your poor father cannot — dare not do it !” 

But who shall limit a father’s relenting love ? Who 
2 * 


34 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


shall Tueasure a parent’s tenderness? Not you, who 
have never watched, with anxious concern, the bud- 
ding and blossoming scion growing beside you ; not 
you, who have never traced the sacred lineaments of a 
dead spouse in the living features before you ; not 
you, whose neck has never been entwined by vel- 
vet arms, and who has never received that purest 
of all caresses — the kiss of infant innocence ; not 
you — you may stand in frigid dignity, and declare, 
with firm brow, and determined tone, that it shall 
not be, and your sentence may be like the laws of 
the Medes and Persians, that altereth not ; but na- 
ture is a pliant, yielding dame, and you would be 
convinced of this if you had read the following 
announcement in the county papers : “ Married, on 

the ult., in Ballyshan church, by the Kev. 

Charles Knox, and afterwards in Denistown chap- 
el, by the Rev. Lawrence Maguire, Denis O’Dough- 
erty, Esq., of Ballyshan Castle, to Ellen, youngest 
daughter of Mr. John Martin, of Springfarm.” 

The conquest was won— ^the barriers were sur- 
mounted ; and “ little Ellen” was borne in triumph, 
a bright and smiling bride, to Ballyshan Castle. 

Mr. O’Dougherty had pledged himself to Mr. Martin 
and his son, in presence of Mr. Knox and Mr. Har- 
man, that Ellen’s religious principles should not be 
interfered with, and that she should always have 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


35 


the privilege of attending her parish church on the 
Sabbath. He also positively refused to accept her 
fortune of one thousand pounds, begging that it 
might be added to that of Kate ; but this the father 
and brother would not hear of — the family of the 
Martins should not be enriched by an alliance with 
the O’Dougherty ; the only favor he could confer on 
them was, that of tenderly cherishing the gem he 
took from their crown. At length it was decided, 
at the suggestion of Mr. Knox, that the money 
should be invested in the lady’s name, and placed 
at her own disposal. 

Her trousseau was such as it would have been if 
she had married a man of her own rank. Her wed- 
ding-dress was plain, white tabinet, and her varying 
cheek and trembling form were shaded by a simple 
veil of Limerick lace. No jewels glanced upon the 
farmer’s daughter. Until her father resigned his 
right to her at the altar, she was his, and occupied 
the same position with him ; the marriage ceremony 
over, she was her husband’s, and shared his rank, 
his fortune, and his name. It was not, therefore, 
until the wedding-guests were assembled in the 
proud halls of the Castle, that Mrs. O’Dougherty ap- 
peared flashing in a rich suit of diamonds, the bridal 
gift of her lordly husband, upon whose manly arm 
she softly leaned. 


36 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


A few short weeks were spent in a course of hap- 
piness that Ellen’s sanguine spirit expected to last 
forever, and then the happy couple left for the con- 
tinent. Circumstances had heretofore prevented 
Mr. O’Dougherty from making the grand tour ; he 
now thought he should enjoy it the more accom- 
panied by his young wife, and both, with the unso- 
phisticated buoyancy of youth, looked forward to 
the world of pleasures to be found in the exciting 
scenes and classic regions of old Europe. 

N or was the young man without the hope of impress- 
ing the ductile mind of Ellen with the superiority of 
“ Mother Church,” when she should see her in her 
regal magnificence abroad. But he was mistaken ; 
she, who had been favored with the tuition of the 
divine Harman, had drank from too pure a fountain, 
ever to sip of muddy waters, though presented in 
tankards of gold and silver. She knew too much about 
true Gospel religion, to regard the splendid fopperies 
of Komanism as other than superstition and impost- 
ure. Had Ellen been practiced in diplomacy, she 
would have concealed her feelings from her husband, 
and passed through the proud cathedrals to which 
he conducted her, without expressing any other sen- 
timent, than that of admiration for the beauty and 
grandeur of the buildings ; but the innocent girl had 
never learned concealment. Always surrounded by 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


37 


those to whom she was an object of intense affec- 
tion, every thought of her heart had been openly 
revealed; and now, in the society of one who had 
professed to love her better than all these, how was 
she to practice deceit ? Besides, she had no idea 
that her enlightened and high-minded husband ap- 
proved of the nonsensical absurdities that were 
practiced around him ; she, therefore, fearlessly exhib- 
ited the effect they had upon her mind ; sometimes 
laughing at, and mocking, their grotesque carica- 
tures, and anon expressing her warm indignation, 
that they should thus blasphemously sport with holy 
things. 

But she was not long in perceiving that Mr. 
O’Dougherty took no part in her mockery or 
indignation, and it became clearly evident, that 
whatever his private feelings might be respecting the 
indecencies of his Church, he could not bear to hear 
them ridiculed or condemned. She now saw, with 
real concern, that her beloved husband was offended 
and displeased — gloom was gathering on his brow, 
and coldness creeping into his manner. The fact 
was — the young man was disappointed. He knew 
his wife had received a Protestant education, but he 
was not aware that she had been blest with a thor- 
oughly Christian one ; and, that as well might he 
think to divert the needle from the pole, as to draw 


38 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


her rational and well-directed mind into the laby- 
rinths of error and falsehood. He was, therefore, 
vexed and mortified, and resented the insults which 
Ellen had thoughtlessly offered to his beloved 
Popery, with inveterate anger. 

Six months had now been occupied by our travel- 
ers in viewing the various scenes of interest abroad, 
and in observing the different characteristics of 
foreign nations ; and yet the mind of neither dwelt 
upon these charming novelties. Circumstances 
had developed themselves, during that short period, 
of sufficient importance to occupy all their thoughts. 
They now understood each other, and both saw, 
with unerring certainty, that however similar the 
tastes and feelings that had attracted them to each 
other, and however strong the love that had bound 
them,* there was one sentiment in which they were 
diametrically opposed, which must cast a shade of 
bitterness over every portion of their lives. 

O’Dougherty, with a jealousy which his previous 
character had not displayed, encouraged the unworthy 
suspicion that his wife had not truly loved him, or 
she could not stand so firmly locked in her own faith 
as not even to yield the slightest concession to that 
which he professed ; he, therefore, suffered his feel- 
ings to become cold and ungentle towards her, and 
his conduct to assume that ungracious tone most 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


39 


wounding to the tender heart of woman. She, on 
the other hand, becoming suddenly aware that the 
God-like intelligences with which her girlish heart 
had invested him, were not in reality his, and that, 
with all his shining and amiable qualities, he “ trusted 
in falsehood,” and “followed a cunningly-devised 
fable,” felt sad and disheartened ; and, conscious of 
the power which her adored husband had ever in- 
fluenced over her heart, she trembled, lest, in an 
unguarded hour, he should tempt her to swerve from 
the allegiance'of the Gospel. 

Thus, agitated by conflicting doubts, and regard- 
ing each other with distrustful coldness, our travel- 
ers prepared for their homeward return — each calcu- 
lating the probable results to be anticipated from a 
remingling with the scenes and associations of their 
former happiness; and, perhaps, encouraging the 
sanguine hope that, under those mild and favorable 
circumstances, their peace and unity might be again 
restored. 

It was a bright and balmy evening in the bloom- 
ing month of May, when the O’Dougherty traveling 
equipage passed rapidly through the town of Bally- 
shan, on its way to the Castle. The return was sud- 
den and unexpected, and the carriage being closed, 
prevented the occupants from being seen, neverthe- 
less, the vehicle itself was recognized, and many a 


40 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


loud cheer and joyous shout greeted it as it sped 
along. 

Upon arriving at the Castle, the young couple 
were received with due respect by the domestics, 
who, having been only apprised on the preceding 
evening of their intended arrival, had but short time 
to make the necessary preparations for their recep- 
tion. But they were not in spirits to enjoy much 
ceremony. Ellen was fatigued, and requested to 
be conducted to her dressing-room, and Denis en- 
tered the study, accompanied by Father Maguire, 
who had hastened to be the first to welcome him 
home. 

Not many minutes had elapsed when a gig was 
heard swiftly approaching, and the heavy door 
again swung upon its hinges. Mr. O’Dougherty, 
surmising who the visitor was, opened the study 
door, just in time to catch Kate Martin in his arms 
and kiss her blooming cheek. She then hurried on, 
her light foot scarcely touching the carpet as she 
flew up the winding stairs — another moment, and 
Ellen, with a bound and cry of joy, sunk in a gush 
of happy tears upon her sister’s bosom. The poor, 
wandering dove was nestled once more — pressed to 
a heart that loved her still — whose aflfection had 
guarded her infancy, and counseled her wayward 
girlhood. Others might change, but she was still 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


41 


the same — the same sweet, gentle Kate ; and soon 
every trial and sorrow was poured into her sympa- 
thizing ear, and words of soft and tender soothing, 
intermingled with purest kisses, issued from her lips. 
• The sisters had regularly corresponded during their 
separation, and though Ellen had not complained of 
being unhappy, yet the eye of affection had long 
since discovered, from the tone of her epistles, that 
her spirits were clouded, and her heart oppressed. 
Kate was, therefore, not quite unprepared for the 
revealings that were now made to her of blighted 
hope, and altered confidence. She had partly 
dreaded all this from the first, and faithfully warned 
her sister beforehand ; but no ungentle remark now 
escaped her : her tender heart was filled with con- 
cern for the weak and tempted creature beside her, 
and tearfully and lovingly she directed her to apply 
to the Strong for strength — comforting her with 
the assurance, that if she faithfully served her Hea- 
venly Father, all things would work together for her 
good. 

The two sisters continued in conversation until a 
late hour, refreshments being served to them in 
the room where they sat, they suffered no interrup- 
tion. All the news of which each had to inform 
the other was duly detailed, with mutual affection 
and confidence. It was not without regret that 


42 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


they at length discovered it was time to retire for 
the night. Ellen then rung for her maid, and Kate, 
having folded her beloved sister again to her heart, 
withdrew to the room that had been prepared for 
her ; and there, lowly bowed before the Throne of 
Grrace, she humbly and earnestly sought for this dear 
one, that Divine help that would enable her to bear 
the trials, by which she was surrounded, with Chris- 
tian fortitude, and so to act the part that was allot- 
ted to her as to bring glory to her Saviour’s name. 

For some time matters went on tolerably well 
at the Castle. O’Dougherty’s old love for his wife 
returned with all its force as he saw the universal 
admiration she excited by the sweet yet dignified 
grace with which she filled her seat at the head of 
his princely table, and entertained the great and 
noble of the land : at the same time that her kind 
and affable manners towards the humbler classes, 
brought showers of blessings on her head. 

But Ellen’s troubles were not yet ended. Father 
Maguire, who, from her extreme innocence and 
simplicity of manner, had supposed that she was 
weak and impressible, and had rather encouraged 
Mr. O’Dougherty in the belief that she would be 
an easy convert to “the true Church,” was surprised 
when that gentleman told him of the tenacity with 
which she had clung to her own religion when 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


43 


abroad, and the contempt and disapprobation she 
had manifested for such of their Church’s usages as 
Bible-taught minds were most averse to, so as to 
repel all hope of proselyting her. The priest was 
disappointed — his truly popish heart was grieved, 
that the ancient house of O’Dougherty, which for 
ages had assisted to uphold the Catholic conse- 
quence of the country, should be tainted with the 
stain of heresy. Yet he was not discouraged. He 
knew the young man was bound in honor to put 
no force upon the inclinations of his wife, and he 
was too fond a husband to subject her to persecu- 
tion: but a little stratagem might be attended with 
some success ; and, as the former part of her life 
had been spent entirely in Protestant society, it 
would not be unwise to try the influence of Catholic 
intercourse. His reverence, therefore, recommend- 
ed that Mr. O’Dougherty should immediately fill the 
Castle with guests of his own persuasion, and lose 
no time in engaging a chaplain to conduct the 
devotional exercises of his family. 

All this was, therefore, done, and still Mrs. O’Dough- 
erty was as good a Protestant as ever. She smiled as 
sweetly on her husband’s friends as she did upon her 
own, and bowed her head as reverently while the chap- 
lain repeated his long Latin grace, as she had ever 
done during the simple English one of Mr. Harman ; 


44 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


but she declined entering the Castle chapel during 
the invocations to saints and angels, and preferred 
the reading of the Bible to the discussions of the 
learned fraternity. Thus she was obliged to act on 
the defensive in the midst of her own family, until 
she felt, with the persecuted king of old, that the 
enemies of her soul were those of her own house- 
hold. 

Yet she could enjoy the ministry of her old 
pastors, and. Sabbath after Sabbath, her soul was 
watered with fresh supplies of grace, which strength- 
ened her for the conflicts of the coming week. She 
also could visit dear Springfarm and the Rectory, 
and, in the society of those whose conversation was 
not of this world, she learnt sweet lessons of piety 
and resignation — for Ellen was growing in grace. 
Father Maguire’s policy defeated its own object, 
and, instead of inducing her to enter the ranks of 
error, it drove her for refuge to the foot of the 
Cross, where she knew she would receive wisdom 
and strength, so that she might endure to the 
end. 

Thus, the glad summer-tide passed along, and harvest 
approached with its mellow fruits. Father Maguire 
had almost despaired of ever seeing Mrs. O’Dough- 
erty’s splendid equipage driving up to Denistown 
chapel. Every means had been employed without 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


45 


success, to draw her heart from Protestantism : her 
friends were treated with studied coldness, and 
trifling pretexts were used to prevent her calling 
upon them, until, one after another, they ceased 
visiting the Castle. At length, as we before inti- 
mated, the number of her anti-Catholic associates 
was limited to her father’s family and Mr. and Mrs. 
Knox. 

But even this circle was too^ extensive to 
please those who were so earnestly concerned for 
her salvation ; and one day as she returned from the 
Glebe, where she had spent a happy hour with her 
old friend and godmother, Mr. O’Dougherty entered 
her dressing-room and inquired where she had been : 
he received her answer with a dark brow, immedi- 
ately observing that he did not like her being so 
much with those Knoxes : if they were plain, old- 
fashioned Protestants, he would not mind ; but 
they were tainted with Puritanism, or Methodism, 
or some other new-fangled cant ; besides he did 
not think he derived any honor from the fact of 
his wife’s carriage being continually seen at the 
Parsonage — ^it was bad enough that the O’Dough- 
erty arms should stand before the church. 

‘‘But, you know, Denis, dear,” Ellen gently plead- 
ed, “ I have told you that a coach-and-four is not 
necessary to my happiness ; I would as soon take a 


46 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


phaeton, or even a gig, when going to church or the 
Glebe — if you will allow me.” 

“Nonsense, Ellen,” sharply retorted her hus- 
band; “how would it look for the mistress of 
Ballyshan to drive to church in a gig by the 
side of a servant? It is necessary to put some 
restraint on your fanatical whims, or there is no 
guessing what inconsistencies they may lead you 
into. I have only to say that I do not approve of 
your intimacy with Mrs. Knox, and I wish you to 
discontinue it;” and, without trusting himself to 
look at his lovely wife, the young man turned and 
left the room. 

Poor Ellen ! even Mrs. Knox must be given 
up. “ This was the severest cut of all.” Every 
other trial was insignificant when compared with 
it. She, with whom she had so often “ taken 
sweet counsel” — who had loved her with almost 
maternal fondness ; who had presented her, an un- 
conscious babe, at the baptismal font, and held her 
in her gentle arms while her devoted husband prayed 
that her infant spirit might be “ washed and sancti- 
fied, and received into the ark of Christ’s Church ; 
and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, 
and rooted in charity, she might so pass the waves 
of this troublesome world, that, finally, she might 
come to the land of everlasting life.” And this 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


47 


sacred friendship must be relinquished: it seemed 
almost too hard, and the heart of the young girl 
sunk at the prospect of lonely grandeur that her 
future life presented ; every congenial spirit ban- 
ished from her path — even Kate, whose superiority 
of mind and character had rendered her quite a 
favorite with her brother-in-law, had almost for- 
saken the Castle, and her sister seldom saw her 
except when they met at Springfarm : her father 
and brother had never entered her door, and she 
had no hope that they ever would. “All these 
things are against me,” she exclaimed ; nor was it 
until after she had bowed her tear-stained face in 
her hands, and bent her trembling knees low at her 
Saviour’s footstool, presenting her case before him 
who “was tempted in all things like as we are,” 
that she felt able to bear this last stroke, without 
repining. 

Long did the sad suppliant continue at her 
Master’s feet, and rich streams of heavenly con- 
solation, and promises of future comfort and sup- 
port, were poured into her fainting bosom, until the 
weak and fragile woman, endued with faith and 
fortitude from on high, arose from her knees, ready 
to bear her cross, and follow in her Saviour’s foot- 
steps, even to the last. 

That evening Mrs. O’Dougherty took her place 


48 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


at the dinner-table with a more than usually 
bright and serene expression over her beautiful 
countenance. She was dressed, in accordance with 
her husband’s taste, in the richest and most 
fashionable attire — rubies and emeralds flashed 
upon her snowy neck and arms, while her mag- 
nificent chestnut hair was arranged in its most 
becoming style ; and O’Dougherty, as he glanced at 
his lovely wife, and his heart swelled with pride 
at the thought of her queen-like beauty, upbraided 
himself for the harsh part he had that day acted 
towards her, and felt that the religion could not be 
so bad which taught her to treat unkindness with 
such angelic forbearance. 

From that time, Mrs. O’Dougherty’s leisure was 
chiefly devoted to charitable employments, and, with 
the assistance of Father Nolan, the chaplain, who 
was an amiable young man, and willing to take part 
in a labor of love, she sought out all the poor on the 
estate, and formed plans to ameliorate their con- 
dition; and the lady herself felt a peace that she 
had not enjoyed since the first month of her mar- 
riage. 

But now a new era appeared ; for an event of the 
utmost importance occurred at the Castle. An heir 
was born to the proud estates of Ballyshan. Rich and 
poor joined in congratulations and rejoicings on the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


49 


occasion : there seemed to be no drawback to the 
general happiness — “ all went merry as a marriage- 
bell.” The christening, which was celebrated in 
the Castle chapel, and at which the titular bishop 
of the diocese officiated in person, was an occasion 
of extraordinary pomp, and the festivities that fol- 
lowed were the greatest that had been witnessed in 
the country for years. 

The baby’s name had been selected by his mother, 
at her husband’s desire. “ What shall we call our 
boy, Ellen, love,” inquired the proud father as he 
fondly leaned over his wife’s couch ; he shall bear 
whatever name you give him, dearest.” 

A smile lit up the pale face of the mother, and a 
tear of tender affection glistened in her azure eye 
as she sweetly murmured, “ then call him Denis — 
let him bear the name that has been most dear to 
his poor mother’s erring heart.” 

The young man tenderly kissed the trembling lips 
that conveyed to him this fresh assurance of affection, 
and never was Ellen more sincerely or intensely 
beloved than at this moment. 

And Denis, the child was called, and greater than 
Alexander the new-made father felt when, in pre- 
sence of the highest and noblest of the Catholic com- 
munity, his son received the sacrament of baptism 
at the hands of the mitred prelate, and, by the 
3 


60 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Sprinkling of water and anointing of oil, was conse- 
crated a child of God and a member of the “ Holy 
Koman Catholic Church.” 

But it was not long that the young gentle- 
man, whose coming had created so much sensa- 
tion, continued to engross the general attention. 
The waning health of his fair and fragile mother 
now excited the deepest solicitude ; and the ten- 
derest concern was manifested by all parties re- 
specting the result. The old family physician was 
exerting his utmost skill in her behalf, and one of 
the most eminent members of the faculty was sum- 
moned from Dublin to advise upon her case. Still 
she was sinking. Kate, the indefatigable friend and 
sister, was now in constant attendance around the 
couch of the sufferer — to no hireling nurse was com- 
mitted the entire charge of one so precious. There 
were a hundred little offices to be performed, that 
the hand of love alone could execute ; and there 
were the consolations of religion to be administered 
which none but a heart overflowing with piety and 
zeal could dictate. Who then so fit for such a post 
as the gentle, devoted, and affectionate sister? 
During this time Mrs. O’Dougherty seemed to take 
but little interest in what was passing around her. 
She seldom spoke, although she always smiled upon 
her husband and sister, and appeared pleased when 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


51 


the latter read to her from the Bible, or conversed, 
in her own sweet and happy strain, upon the beauties 
of holiness. 

One day, after they had been so engaged, 
Ellen inquired of her sister if she thought her 
father knew how very ill she was. Kate replied in 
the negative, adding, that the doctor had still hopes 
of her complaint ending favorably. The invalid 
shook her head, and presently exclaimed with some 
energy: 

“ Kate, I must see my father, send for him, tell 
him that, though he never visited me during the 
season of my health and prosperity, yet now I am 
prostrated by sickness and may never rise again, he 
must come to me !” 

Kate immediately complied, and soon a messenger 
was flying along the shortest route to Spring- 
farm. 

Mr. Martin received the summons with sur- 
prise and terror; he had not been aware of his 
beloved daughter’s danger, and the sudden an- 
nouncement shook his soul to the very centre ; 
he clasped his hands, and exclaimed with chok- 
ing emotion: “If I be bereaved of my children, 
I am bereaved!” But it did not last long; for, re- 
membering the patience of him who lost ten chil- 
dren in one day, he raised his eyes to heaven and 


52 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


repeated with touching submission : “ The Lord gave, 
and if he will, he shall take away ; blessed be the 
name of the Lord.” 

The gig was now ready, and the old gentleman 
hastened to the Castle. 

When he entered his daughter’s room he was pale 
and agitated, and, for some moments, was unable to 
speak. Ellen, who had partly arisen on her father’s 
approach, extended her feeble arms toward him, and, 
clasping him around the neck, thanked him warmly 
for his visit. 

“I wanted to tell you, dear father,” she said, 
“ how bitterly I have repented of my undutiful 
conduct, in having forced your tender heart to con- 
sent to that which your reason disapproved ; for this 
I have suffered, God has rewarded me, and now, my 
father, do you forgive your little Ellen ?” 

“Forgive you, darling!” ejaculated the old man, 
“ I never blamed you.” 

“ But, father,” she persisted, “ say that you forgive 
me.” 

The father’s voice shook, and his eyes filled with 
tears, as, clasping his child to his bosom, he ex- 
claimed, “0, Ellen! light of my life! may God 
forgive me in the same measure as I forgive 
you ! ” 

A pause ensued, during whi^jh Kate was uneasy 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


63 


for the effect of so much emotion ; but Ellen aroused 
herself and again addressed her father. 

“I want you,” she said, “to come and see me 
every day while I remain, and talk to me, and pray 
with 'me, and make Thomas and Margaret come, 
and I want you to kiss my child and give him your 
blessing.” 

Kate now advanced with the baby and laid him 
in his grandfather’s arms ; the good man tenderly 
kissed the smiling innocent, and uttered a fervent 
benediction on his head. 

The doctor now entering, Mr. Martin took his 
leave, promising to visit his daughter frequently, ' 
and that her brother and sister-in-law should do the 
same. Upon descending from the chamber he was 
met by Mr. O’Dougherty, who expressed the utmost 
pleasure at seeing him in the Castle, and insisted 
upon his remaining to dinner : to this the worthy 
farmer consented, thinking that the intelligence of his 
doing so, might be gratifying to poor Ellen. The 
guests were limited to a few of the neighboring 
gentlemen, as there were no visitors now in the 
Castle — alas ! the abode of sickness and mourning 
has no charms for the gay and worldly, of which 
class the Castle company had been chiefly com- 
posed. 

From that day the interesting invalid rapidly 


54 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


declined ; and though the kind physician and affec- 
tionate family tried to hope, yet it was painfully 
evident that the frail structure was decaying, and 
all further efforts to detain its lovely inhabitant 
were vain. 




I 


CHAPTER III. 


The righteous is taken away from the evil to come . — Isaiah 
57:1. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil : for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff 
they comfort me . — Psalm 23 : 4. 

It was towards the close of a bleak, dreary even- 
ing, when nature, clad in the brown robe of autumn, 
assumes a sober and subdued appearance, and the 
wind, which had been from the north all day, 
whistled mournfully among the decayed and fallen 
leaves, when a fair and interesting young lady, of 
saddened countenance and red and swollen eyes, 
arose from the window recess of a luxuriously fur- 
nished apartment, behind the folds of whose da- 
mask drapery she had for some time been silently 
weeping, and softly approached a richly canopied 
bed, on which a pale and lovely woman was languid- 
ly reclining, her transparent hand lightly resting 
across a small bundle of cambric and lace, amongst 


66 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


which a tiny waxen face was discernable, whereon 
her fading gaze was fondly fixed. She now raised 
her eyes to those that were tearfully fixed upon her, 
and, smiling faintly, murmured the endearing name 
of “ sister.” 

A short pause ensued, while she, who was ad- 
dressed by that loving title, turned half around, 
and once more wiped her eyes, and choked down a 
rising sigh, then, leaning tenderly over the invalid, 
whispered in low and trembling tones, 

“ Ellen, dearest, we are now alone. As you said 
you wished particularly to speak to me, I insisted 
upon the nurse lying down for a couple of hours, 
which she would not do until I promised to call her 
at twelve o’clock, when she says your medicine is to 
be administered.” 

“Medicine!” repeated Ellen, “they might let 
me rest from that now — surely they know it. But 
Kate, love, sit down, and give me your hand, and 
let me tell you what is lying heavy on my heart, 
while I am able : Kate, my child must never be a 
Papist !” and her attenuated fingers grasped more 
tightly her sister’8 plump hand, as, with more im- 
pressive energy than her weak state was sufficient 
for, she emphatically continued, “ no, no — it must 
not be. For months before his birth this was my de- 
termination; and now since I have been aware that 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


67 


I must leave him, I have devoted my thoughts to 
the arrangement of plans by which a Protestant 
education could be secured to my baby. 

Had I lived, I know I should have exercised such 
influence over his ductile mind, that, in spite of all 
their efforts to the contrary, he should have been 
in heart a believer in his mother’s faith ; and, 
though during his pliant youth they might lead 
him to the mass-house and confessional, yet I 
should have seized every opportunity of teaching 
him the pure doctrines of the Gospel, so that, when 
arrived at years of maturity, he should boldly and 
conscientiously protest against the errors of Popery. 
But since a Supreme Power has said I must not 
stay to train my boy, my mind has been directed 
to a plan by which he still shall be blessed with 
Bible teaching. I know that, in a worldly sense, 
my son must be a loser by this ; but Kate, I am 
competent to judge for him, having been taught by 
experience that the O’Dougherty estates confer not 
happiness.” 

She stopped, gasped for breath ; her head sunk in- 
animate on the pillow, and her hand relaxed its 
hold. 

Her sister uttered a low, wailing cry, and 
dropped on her knees beside the bed ; then, spring- 
ing to her feet again, hastened to apply the usual 
3 * 


58 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


restoratives in cases of exhaustion. Half an hour 
of intense anxiety follo\ved, after which the sufferer 
again appeared to revive. Her lips moved, but no 
sound issued from them, and Kate, bending over 
her, kissed her pure temple, and whispered fondly, 
and soothingly, 

“Ellen, love, do not say any more at present; 
you have over-exerted yourself; rest, dearest, rest 
to-night, and another time you can tell me what is 
on your mind.” 

“ Another time !” feebly echoed the dying mother. 
“ Kate, time with me will soon be over. Oh ! let 
me speak while any strength remains to me.” And 
again she clasped her sister’s hand, while Kate shud- 
dered to perceive her fingers colder and damper 
than before. “ Kate, my own and only sister, will 
you make your dying Ellen a promise that will 
soothe and comfort her last hours ?” 

“ Oh ! what is there that I would not do for my 
beloved Ellen?” fervently responded the affectionate 
girl. 

“ Then listen, Kate : when I am gone, my 
baby must be carried secretly to Dublin, and 
placed in the Foundling Hospital there; and you 
are the only person whom I can trust with the 
commission, and no one else must know it; nay, do 
not start, nor attempt to oppose my wishes. I know 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


59 


all the arguments that can be urged against this 
proceeding. I am aware of the sacrifice I am mak- 
ing of my son ; the degredation to which I am sub- 
mitting him ; the poverty, and humiliation, and toil 
which I am forcing upon him, in exchange for an 
ancient name and proud inheritance. All this I 
have anxiously and prayerfully considered ; calmly 
revolved it over and over in my mind ; looked at it 
in every light, and can arrive at no other con- 
clusion than that it is the will of God concerning 
him ; else, why should my mind be so strongly led 
to it ? Why does my deep love for him suffer me 
to yield the sacrifice ? Kate, sister Kate, my child 
must be a Protestant, and there is no other way of * 
effecting it. Look at him — look at my innocent 
babe, and say, is he, for the sake of filthy lucre, to 
be deprived of a Gospel education ? 0, no ! you 

have the Bible yourself, and you cannot deny it to 
my son ; then promise me, promise your dying sis- 
ter, Kate Martin, that you will snatch her child 
from the arms of Popery, and place him within the 
reach of truth.” 

The young lady, who at first had heard this 
strange request with astonishment, and shrunk 
from complying with it, was now convinced of 
its expediency, and affectionately assented to its 
fulfillment. She pressed her lips to her sister’s pal- 


60 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


lid cheek, and fondly assured her that her wish 
should be faithfully executed, promising to take 
upon herself the responsibility of it, and to conceal 
the secret within her own breast. She then be- 
sought the lovely sufferer to compose herself, and 
try to take a little sleep, as the night was advanced, 
and she had overtaxed her feelings and her strength, 
so that she w'as again quite exhausted ; but she 
cheerfully replied that it was not so ; her mind was 
now at rest, and she felt more cornfortable than she 
had done for a month past. Yet, though evidently 
relieved of a burden, she seemed weary and languid ; 
her eyes were dull and heavy, and her breathing 
was short and difficult. Her sister, therefore, gently 
insisted on her remaining perfectly quiet for the re- 
mainder of the night. 

At twelve o’clock, the nurse was again in at- 
tendance, but Kate could not be prevailed upon 
to retire. Seated at the bedside, with the hand of 
the invalid softly clasped in hers, she prepared to 
spend the lone hours of the night, hoping, by her 
presence and those many little nameless atten- 
tions that the loving heart alone can bestow, to 
soothe and cheer the last hours of her beloved 
sister. 

The following morning brought no sunshine 
to the ancient stronghold of the O’Dougher- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


61 


ty’s. The young life in whom all hearts were 
interested, was, evidently, ebbing away. The old 
family physician shook his head in answer to in- 
quiries, and the nurse was observed to raise the 
corner of her white linen apron frequently to her 
eyes. Even Mr. O’Dougherty, who never would 
hear a single doubt expressed as to her ultimate re- 
covery, now seemed truly alarmed ; he hung over 
her bed, ever and anon kissing her hands, her lips, 
and her brow, calfed her his “ darling Ellen,” his 
“sweet little wife” — told her he “could not think 
of parting with her” — he “ never had thought of 
anything so painful;” asked her “how she could 
leave him?” The husband who idolized her, de- 
manded if lie “ deserved to be deserted ;” and im- 
plored to be forgiven wherein he had ever offended 
her. 

The dying wife was considerably moved by 
her husband’s distress. Two or three times she 
attempted to speak to him, but the words were 
inaudible. Denis O’Dougherty was never to hear 
his Ellen’s sweet voice again. 

Kate now suggested that, perhaps, her sister would 
like to see Mr. Knox ; and her brother-in-law, de- 
lighted to catch at anything that would be gratify- 
ing to her whom he was about -to lose, gladly assent- 
ed. A servant was accordingly dispatched in haste 


62 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


to the Glebe, to request the attendance of the worthy- 
clergyman. 

Mr. Knox was fortunately at home when the mes- 
senger arrived, and lost no time in obeying the 
summons. He was received at the castle door by 
Mr. Martin, who had arrived a short time previous. 

“ Well, my friend,” said the minister, as he grasped 
the old man’s hand with affectionate warmth, ‘‘my 
dear friend, you and I have met under almost every 
circumstance of life, and been a mutual comfort and 
assistance to each other. This is a heavy trial that 
we are now called to pass through, but, ‘ shall not 
the Judge of all the earth do right?’ ” 

“ 0, yes! 0, yes !” said the afflicted father, catch- 
ing the spirit of pious resignation from his esteemed 
pastor ; “ He doeth all things well.” 

They were now joined by Mr. O’Dougherty, who 
welcomed his reverend visitor with easy courtesy, 
apologized for not having sent for him in an earlier 
stage of his wife’s illness, and politely proposed to 
conduct him immediately to her apartment. Mr. 
Knox bowed, and followed up the stately dome- 
lit staircase, crossed, with easy tread, a lofty corri- 
dor, and paused as he entered the dim and silent 
chamber of sorrow. Kate was seated by the pillow, 
the attenuated hand- of the invalid clasped in hers, 
and the handkerchief, in which her face was buried, 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


63 


saturated with tears, while her bosom heaved and 
vibrated with internal anguish. 

Ellen, who had been made aware of the approach 
of the gentlemen, opened her eyes, and a smile 
illumined her wan features as she recognized the 
well-known form of her old pastor. 

“ My dear Ellen,” said Mr. Knox, laying his hand 
softly upon hers, and bending with paternal kind- 
ness over her, “I am sorry to find you thus ; it was 
our earnest desire and prayer to our Heavenly Fa- 
ther, that he would spare you to us a little longer ; 
but, as it seems to be his holy and righteous will 
to remove you from us, I hope he has prepared your 
soul for the solemn change. Tell me how you feel 
under a prospect of eternity, my dear child? Is 
Jesus with you ?” 

A brighter smile glowed around the pallid lips of 
the dying woman, and an expression of serene joy 
kindled her dim eyes, as she feebly but distinctly 
whispered, “ He w with me — his rod and his staff 
— they comfort me.” 

“Thank God! thank God I” fervently ejaculated 
the minister. 

“ Glory be to his holy name!” exclaimed Mr. 
Martin, who, standing at the opposite side of the 
bed, had been a deeply-interested listener; while 
Mr. O’Dougherty, having seated himself beside Kate, 


64 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


and drawn her with brotherly affection towards him, 
seemed to feel that her sorrow, which “ would not 
be comforted,” was more akin to his own. 

Mr. Martin had anxiously wished that his daughter 
could receive the holy sacrament previous to her 
death ; and the present appearing to be a favorable 
opportunity for the observance of the ceremony, 
he urged the subject upon his son-in-law, who, re- 
ceiving an appealing glance from his wife — his heart 
already melted by grief — offered no objection. It 
was now suggested that they should retire for a 
couple of hours, and allow Mrs. O’Dougherty to rest 
before the excitement of the solemn ordinance. But 
Mr. Martin, who feared that in the mean time some 
impediment might interpose, would not consent to 
its postponement ; and his son and daughter-in-law 
just then arriving, he rejoiced that the whole family 
could partake of the sacred elements once more to- 
gether. Poor Kate was also glad to see her sister- 
in-law, who she knew would cheerfully undertake 
the arrangement of the sacrament-table, she her- 
self feeling so prostrated as to be almost incapable 
of the least exertion. When the necessary prepara- 
tions were completed, Mr. O’Dougherty arose to 
retire, courtesy not requiring that he should witness 
a ceremony which his conscience regarded as here- 
tical. Glancing towards his wife, he perceived the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


66 


slumbering babe by her side ; and suddenly recol- 
lecting that his son ought not to be left under the 
noxious influence, he motioned to the nurse to re- 
move the child, who gladly obeyed, pleased to be 
herself permitted to escape from contamination. 
An expression of spasmodic pain crossed the features 
of the pious mother as she saw her babe borne from 
the room ; she turned an imploring look upon her 
sister, who understood the mute appeal, and an- 
swered it with a slight pressure of the hand she still 
held. 

The administration of the Lord’s supper, according 
to the ritual of the Episcopal Church, is one of the 
most solemn services of religion ; and, on the pres- 
ent occasion, when one of the communicants stood 
at the threshold of eternity, a feeling of holy awe 
pervaded the little company, of which the erring 
children of earth have no experience. It was a 
scene that an artist would have loved to look upon. 
Mrs. O’Dougherty, raised and supported by pillows, 
her soft, blue eyes sometimes drooping beneath their 
long lashes, and anon raised to heaven with child- 
like faith; while her pure spiritual face gleamed 
with a radiant loveliness, which even surpassed the 
beauty of her healthful bloom. The world, with its 
vanities, its cares, and even its sorrows, was forgot- 
ten, as the gray-haired patriarch and his interesting 


66 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


family knelt around the man of God to commemo- 
rate their Saviour’s dying love. A more than ordinary 
pathos lent itself to the voice of Mr. Knox, and a 
peculiar glow of devotion overspread his counten- 
ance : he felt the words he read, and found new 
beauty in every petition he offered up ; while the 
responses were repeated in low but fervent tones by 
the young man at his side. A holy influence com- 
municated itself to each heart, and a consciousness 
of the Divine presence was vividly felt by all, as 
their voices spontaneously joined in the triumphant 
laudatum. “Therefore, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, we laud and 
magnify thy glorious Name ; evermore praising thee, 
and saying, holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts, 
heaven and earth are full of thy glory : glory be to 
thee, 0 Lord most high. Amen.” 

But who shall describe the angelic transport that 
illuminated the countenance of the dying saint as she 
received the emblems of that broken body and spilt 
blood that purchased the remission of her sins, and 
procured for her an entrance into eternal life. Surely 
it was a blessed hour — a refreshing, spirit-stirring 
season. The windows of heaven seemed to be open, 
and streams of grace and glory to descend upon the 
heads of the happy worshipers; while humility, 
gratitude, peace, love, and joy filled their glowing 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


67 


hearts. Nor was the gracious influence destroyed 
at the close of the solemn rite ; for long after the 
Lord’s servant had spread forth his hands, and, rais- 
ing his eyes to heaven, pronounced, with trembling 
fervor, the concluding benediction, the halo con- 
tinued upon the little assembly, and He, in whose 
name they were gathered together, remained in their 
midst. And are these divine visitations rare and 
isolated ? Not so. The minister of the cross often 
meets his risen Master and legions of angels around 
the death-beds of God’s lowly children ; and the 
poet was familiar with this fact when he declared — 

The chamber, where the good man meets his fate, 

Is privileged beyond the common walk 
Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven. 

The close of another evening arrived, and found 
Ballyshan Castle shrouded in deeper gloom than 
ever — for its once gay and brilliant mistress slept 
“ the sleep that knows no waking.” 

Immediately upon the departure of Mr. Knox, 
O’Dougherty returned to his wife’s apartment, and 
the babe was laid again at her side, but she heeded 
them not ; her soul was engaged in higher commun- 
ings ; her heart was entirely emptied of human love, 
and filled with ecstatic visions of immortal glory ; her 
mental eye was fixed upon the Canaan she was about 


68 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


to enter, and she saw the shining ones who stood 
upon the celestial shore waiting to receive her. No 
wonder that the fond objects other earthly affection 
were no longer regarded : they could go to her, but 
she could never return to them. 

A feeling of intense awe was experienced by the 
little group ; not a sigh was heard — not a tear 
was shed — not even a loud breath disturbed the 
sweet and solemn stillness of the scene, as they 
stood around the bed gazing upon the beatified 
expression of that lovely countenance. No pain, 
no struggling, no vain attempts to speak dis- 
turbed the serenity of her beautiful face ; but she 
appeared like a bride in her wedding garments, 
waiting for the coming of her Lord. Once, her 
lips moved, and Mrs. Martin, being the most self- 
possessed of the party, bent down to catch, if' pos- 
sible, the half-articulated whisper. Faint and low 
the name of “Jesus” was breathed, and no more — 
in that sweet name alone her hope of heaven was 
centred. A few minutes, and a gentle motion was 
observed upon her features ; her eyes turned up 
under their transparent lids ; the corners of her 
small mouth slightly drooped, and the soul of Ellen 
O’Dougherty had passed from the world forever. 

For some days after the event above described, 
the young heir of Ballyshan remained almost un- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


69 


noticed. Immediately after his birth, that wing of the 
Castle, which had formerly been appropriated to the 
nursery, was reopened, and newly fitted up for his 
reception. Thither he was now conveyed by the 
servant into whose care he was for the present 
intrusted, until a person could be found suitable to 
undertake the responsible duties of foster-mother ; 
and the attention of the household was entirely 
directed to the solemn and mournful subject of their 
general bereavement. As for his father, he was so 
completely prostrated by the overwhelming woe 
that had so unexpectedly come upon him, that he 
scarcely thought of the infant ; and poor Kate, 
usually so calm and rational, seemed to have under- 
gone a shock which benumbed her faculties, and 
rendered her insensible to all surrounding objects 
At such a time the kindly-proffered superintendence 
of Mrs. Martin was invaluable, as the forms to be 
observed respecting the arrangement of the beauti- 
ful dead were such as the inhabitants of the Castle 
were unacquainted with — a Protestant wake having 
never occurred within those old embattled walls. 
Instead, therefore, of the deceased being extended 
in religious pomp before the altar of the Castle 
chapel, a cross on her unconscious bosom, and an 
uneven number of tall wax-lights gleaming above 
her, while priests knelt around chaunting the re- 


70 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


quiem of the dead, the lady of Ballyshan lay in 
simple state in her bridal chamber, on the couch 
where she had breathed her last. Her lovely form 
was enveloped in white, and a neat cap of purest 
cambric covered her silken hair. The room was 
sadly but tastefully draped with black, and large 
bows of black ribbon tied the white festooning of 
the bed. No sound disturbed the awful stillness 
of the apartment. Softly the mourning friends en- 
tered to gaze on the serene and heavenly face of the 
dead, and retreated before they gave vent to their 
suppressed feelings. 

For three long days the church-bell continued to 
toll its slow and doleful knell, and, on the morning 
of the fourth da}^ large crowds collected from every 
part of the country, to convey the beautiful clay to 
its kindred earth. On that morning the old Castle 
was a scene of unusual bustle ; the low sounds of 
preparation, mingling with the half-smothered wail 
of sorrow, arose on every side. In the centre of the 
large pillared hall, a stand had been erected, covered 
with black cloth, on which was placed the richly- 
adorned coffin, within whose leaden bosom the fair- 
est flower of Ballyshan was taking her last repose. 
A handsome dejeuner was spread in the large break- 
fast-room, for the refreshment of the gentry and 
upper farmers, who had come from a distance— the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


71 


servants’ hall containing a similar meal, to which 
the humbler classes were welcomed. But the hour 
appointed for the obsequies arrived, and the dark- 
plumed hearse, with its sable steeds, stood at the 
the Castle door. And now the final trial must be 
gone through — the last duty must be performed for 
the dead, although reluctant love still deferred the 
evil moment. Since the terrible blow had fallen 
upon him that had almost riven his soul in twain, 
O’Dougherty had stood apart. He mourned as one 
without hope — for alas! he belonged to a church 
that told him the lovely heretic was lost, forever, lost ; 
and he, a son of the true faith, could see her no 
more through all eternity. Agonizing doctrine, and 
implicitly believed. O, Popery, Popery 1 by what 
means dost thou so blind and delude thy unhappy 
followers? but 

“ Faith, fanatic faith, when wedded fast 
To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.” 

According to an ancient custom, however, friends 
might render their kindly assistance on these mourn- 
ful occasions ; yet a corpse could not be removed 
without the personal sanction of the nearest of kin. 

' Several times had Mr. Maguire — who alone dared to 
approach the stricken chief — softly hinted that the 
preparations for the funeral were complete. 


72 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


At length the study door opened, and the young 
widower came forth. Every lip was closed, and 
every head bent, as he slowly tottered towards the 
coffin, and laid his hand upon it. It was enough. 
A dozen stout yeomen immediately advanced, and, 
silently raising it upon their stalwart shoulders, bore 
it through the lofty portal, down the marble steps, 
and laid it in the hearse. 

Mr. O’Dougherty took his seat alone in the chief 
mourner’s coach, and the father and brother of the 
dead occupied the second ; next came the lady’s own 
carriage, dressed with crape, the horses wearing 
large rosettes of the same ; then followed the car- 
riages of the neighboring gentry ; and after them, a 
countless number of cars, gigs, and horsemen ; the 
procession ending with crowds of peasantry on 
foot. 

Upon arriving at the church-yard gate, they were 
met by Mr. Knox and Mr. Harman, in their sacred 
vestments, who preceded the coffin into the church. 
The Protestant part of the assembly followed, until 
the venerable building was quite full ; but all good 
Catholics remained outside, not even the husband 
of the dead daring to enter the denounced edifice. 

The last sad service was read over the inanimate 
clay, and a short address delivered by Mr. Knox ; 
and then the massive coffin, still borne on the stout 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


73 


shoulders of the sons of Ballyshan — hireling hands 
not having been permitted to touch it — was carried 
from the church to the ancient sepulchre of the 
O’Doughertys, and reverentially laid in its marble 
niche. 

Here Father Maguire entered, and, after reading 
some Latin prayers, produced a vial of “ holy water,” 
which he sprinkled around the vault, so that the 
entrance of a heretic corpse might bring no taint to 
the Catholic bones that had hitherto been its only 
tenants. 

All was now over. The vault door again closed, 
the ru^ty bolts replaced by the old sexton, and each 
one returned to his home. 

4 


CHAPTER lY. 

Ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words 
of this law. — Deut. 32 : 46. 

Train up a child in the way he should go ; and when he is old» 
he will not depart from it. — Prov. 22 : 6. 

In studying the lives of Scripture worthies, it will 
be found, that nothing of any importance was 
undertaken by them, without first seeking Divine 
favor and assistance. Moses says : “ If thy presence 
go not with me, carry me not hence,” and a similar 
feeling we find exhibited by God’s servants, in both 
Old and New Testaments ; and God approves of this 
entire dependence upon himself, and graciously an- 
swers every appeal that his children make to him. 
“Fear not,” he says to one, “ for I am with thee.” 
How encouraging ! — surely the very weakest might 
proceed with such a guide. 

It was a conviction of the necessity of this Divine 
aid, in the performance of the promise she had made 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


75 


to the dead, that so severely exercised the mind of 
Kate Martin. How was she, alone and unassisted, 
to carry her infant nephew to Dublin, and keep the 
matter a secret from every one? According to 
human calculation it seemed impossible — and yet it 
must be done, or a solemn pledge violated. It, 
therefore, was not so much grief for the loss of a 
beloved sister, though the neighbors thought it was, 
that bowed her to the earth ; for her mental eye 
could look through the veil and see the enfranchised 
saint with her angelic mother — 

“ Far from a world of grief and sin 
With God eternally shut in.” 

But the heavy responsibility by which she was 
bound hung like a weight upon her spirit, and she 
groaned beneath the pressure. If she could only 
advise with Mr. Knox or Mr. Harman ; but no, she 
had promised to keep the scheme a secret. There 
was, therefore, nothing for her but prayer ; and, day 
and night, her strong and earnest petitions, accom 
panied by floods of tears, were poured forth, fo« 
light and direction, by which she might perform the 
great work that lay before her. 

When the funeral procession moved from the 
Castle she was prostrate in her own room, bathed 
in tears, where she had lain, ever since she had taken 


76 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


her last leave of the lovely dead, before the coffin-lid 
was closed forever. She now rose, and, after gazing 
a few minutes through the window at the raven 
plumes that nodded over her sister’s clay, she felt a 
strong impulse to visit the nursery ; and, leaving her 
room, she wandered in that direction, without any 
motive, more than to see the child who, was the in- 
nocent cause of so much perplexity. She found the 
baby alone, sleeping in his gilded cradle, his attend- 
ant having just left him to take a peep at the stately 
funeral. Kate stooped to kiss his downy cheek, as 
she raised her heart, for the thousandth time, in 
prayer — when the thought suddenly struck her, that 
she might never again have so good an opportunity 
of obtaining possession of the child as the present 
moment afforded. A joyous light accompanied the 
thought — the suggestion evidently came from on 
high — and, with all the energy of faith, she seized 
the sign, and hastened to act upon it. 

Springing back to her room, she threw a large 
blue cloth cloak around her, and, placing a neat gray 
beaver bonnet upon her head, which she entirely 
covered with the capacious hood of the mantle, she 
snatched up a warm shawl, and flew back to the 
baby’s apartment. She listened outside the door, 
but hearing no sound entered, and found the room as 
she had left it; Gently she raised the sleeping 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


77 


child, enveloping him in the shawl, and, seeing the 
bottle which contained his nourishment lying on a 
table, she put it in her pocket, and cautiously pro- 
ceeded to leave the Castle. 

Listening, at every turn, she softly descended the 
back staircase, along the stone passage — the door of 
which was open — across the kitchen yard, and into 
the back avenue. No eye had seen her ; for the few 
servants, who had not followed their mistress to the 
grave, were grouped upon the front steps, watching 
the receding procession, and gossiping over late 
events. On, therefore, Kate proceeded, unnoticed, 
not a laborer — not even a garden-boy — crossed her 
path, until she reached the gate. Here she dreaded 
meeting the gate-keeper ; but even that functionary 
was absent, and she passed through the postern un- 
seen. She was now on the high-road, for the first 
time in her life, alone ; her body was weak and 
worn, after her late severe vigils, and she had three 
long miles to walk, before she could reach the town 
through which the Dublin coaches passed ; but she 
felt a superhuman power urging her oh — and who 
shall say that angels were not in attendance, sup- 
porting her trembling steps, and screening her from 
observation? — those “ministering spirits,” whose 
delight, as well as duty, it is, to fly upon errands of 
mercy to the weak children of earth, and to whose 


78 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


instrumentality we are so often indebted for narrow 
escapes and miraculous preservations. 

Kate felt cheered and strengthened, and, with a 
full conviction that she was acting in accordance 
with the Divine will, she trusted in God for the 
remainder of the journey ; and, drawing her cloak 
closely round her, so that the cold air might not 
reach the baby, she pressed lightly on. She met no 
one that recognized her — with the hood of her cloak 
drawn over her bonnet, her face could not be dis- 
tinctly seen ; and, as the circumstance of a plain- 
looking country-woman, with a child in her arms, 
walking the road was nothing remarkable, the few 
who did meet her took no further notice, than to 
give her the usual passing salutation. The town 
through which the coaches passed was at length 
reached, and she had scarce time to procure a little 
fresh milk for the baby when the daily mail arrived. 
She soon found herself comfortably seated in the 
warm, cushioned vehicle, and the baby sweetly sleep- 
ing on her knee ; but she was many miles on her 
way to Dublin, ere her heart had ceased to beat, 
and her usual calm was again restored. 

The excitement of the last few hours had been too 
much for her already overtaxed spirits ; and were it 
not for the wonderful support that had been afforded 
her, she must have sunk under it. Now, her heart 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


79 


was filled with thankful adoration, and tears of grati- 
tude sprang to her eyes ; and, but for the fear of 
arousing the suspicions of her fellow-travelers, she 
would gladly have relieved her feelings by a hearty 
fit of weeping. 

Nothing worthy of note occurred during the jour- 
ney. The coach jogged on at its usual pace, made 
its usual stoppages, and, at its usual hour, arrived at 
the metropolis. 

“Want a car, sir?” “Want a car, ma’am?” was 
vociferated by a dozen Jarveys, as the coach drew 
up to the office. 

“ I want a car,” said Kate, and in a few moments 
she and her precious charge were seated upon one. 

“ Where to, ma’am ?” * 

“ James’s street and the young woman’s head 
bent low over the smiling babe, and earnestly prayed 
that the support, which had brought her through the 
fatigues of the day, would still be continued while 
she finished her painful task. 

The gay streets of the city were passed through, 
but the mourner heeded them not ; nor did she raise 
her head until the car stopped, and the driver an- 
nounced — 

“ James’s street, ma’am.” 

“Yes,” she replied, and proceeded to pay the 
fare. 


80 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


The man gently assisted her to alight, raised 
his hat respectfully, and again mounted his seat. 

She then walked up the street, until she found the 
building of which she was in search. She passed it, 
and entering a small house of entertainment, asked 
to be shown into a private room, and pen and paper 
to be brought to her. She then adjusted the baby’s 
clothes, and having written, in large and legible 
characters, “Denis Martin,” pinned the paper to 
his dress. This was the name she wished him to 
bear, not only in remembrance of his sainted mother, 
but also as a protection against discovery. 

And now all was ready — nothing remained but 
to make the last sad sacrifice. She held the in- 
fant awhile upon her lap, her tearful eyes fixed 
upon his innocent features. He was a beautiful 
boy — no symptom of bad temper had he ever 
exibited — and gladly would the affectionate girl 
have taken him to her heart, and acted a moth- 
er’s part by him; but this was denied her. A 
coarser fate awaited him. And 0 ! she thought, 
what must have been the pangs that lacerated 
his poor mother’s bosom, before she consented to 
yield him to such a doom ; but faith triumphed, 
and the dying saint devoted her child to pover- 
ty and Bible truth—“ Esteeming the reproach of 
Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt : 


BALLySHAN CASTLE. 


81 


for she had respect unto the recompense of the re- 
ward.” 

“ And why should not I give you up, sweet dar- 
ling,” said Kate, “when she was enabled to do it?” 
Then, kneeling, and raising the infant in her arms, 
with upturned face and earnest tone, she com- 
mended him to Jesus, saying : “ Lover of little ones, 
to thee I resign this babe ; thou, who hast com- 
manded that children be brought unto thee, into 
thy hands I deliver him, with a sure and certain 
• trust, that that which is committed unto thee, thou 
wilt keep unto the end.” 

Evening was now closing in, and once more ten- 
derly kissing the child, she folded the shawl around 
him, and sought the street. A few minutes, and 
the Foundling Hospital received another tenant — 
another was added to the number of helpless inno- 
cents, who were taken up and nursed in the bosom 
of Protestantism. 

Poor Kate’s severe task was now accomplished, 
and her heart was lighter than it had been for many 
days; even joy — the “joy of faith” — entered her 
soul, as she pressed her last kiss upon her nephew’s 
lips, fondly murmuring — “Farewell, sweet baby — 
no longer heir of Ballyshan, but ‘heir of God, 
and joint heir with our Lord and Saviour Jesus 

Christ.’ ” 

4 « 


82 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Kate returned to Ballyshan on the night mail, and 
at seven o’clock in the morning she alighted from 
the coach at the cross-roads, about three miles from 
Springfarm ; having performed her journey in less 
than twenty-four hours. As on the previous day, 
she walked along unrecognized, until she approached 
her home, when she threw the hood back from her 
bonnet — concealment being no longer necessary. 

Mrs. Martin, believing her sister-in-law came di- 
rect from the Castle, was surprised to see her come 
home walking and unattended ; but, attributing the * 
act to the eccentricity of grief, she suffered her to 
enter her own room uAquestioned. 

The fatigue and mental exertion that Kate Martin 
had endured for the last week, now developed their 
effects upon her frame. Languor and sickness ensued, 
and it took many days of rest, peace, and careful 
nursing to restore her to her usual health again. 

Let us now go back to the Castle, and see what 
transpired after the flight of the aunt and nephew. 

The child’s maid, as we have before seen, had left 
the baby asleep, and ran down to look at the funeral 
procession; in about half-an-hour she returned to 
see if he had awoke ; she opened the door and lis- 
tened, but, hearing no sound, supposed him to be 
still sleeping ; and, gently closing the door, went 
down to the servants’ hall to enjoy a little gossip 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


83 


there. Again and again, she returned to listen, but 
hearing no noise from the cradle, went away satis- 
fied. 

“ How soundly that dear child sleeps,” she said, 
as, for the third time, she took her seat in the ser- 
vants’ hall. 

“ 0, he’s a sweet infant, God bless him,” responded 
one of the old servants. “ I never saw a child give 
so little trouble — ^he takes after his poor mother in 
that ; for she was the sweetest, kindest creature that 
ever set foot in this Castle. I hope it’s no harm to 
say, the Lord have mercy on her soul.” 

“ Amen,” was the willing rejoinder, and the con- 
versation again continued. 

At length the servants, having chatted long enough, 
began to busy themselves about their several duties, 
and the nurse returned to the apartments of her 
little charge. Then it was she discovered, with ter- 
ror and alarm, that the infant’s crib was empty. A 
nervous and hurried search followed — again and 
again, were the embroidered bed-clothes shaken, and 
the silken curtains drawn — and then the frightened 
girl ran crying through the Castle, demanding of her’ 
associates if they knew aught of the child — but no 
intelligence could be gained of him, nor could the 
astonished servants believe it possible he was really 
gone. 


S4 BALLY^HAN CASTLE. 

When those who had been at the funeral returned, 
and the news became generally known to the in- 
habitants of the Castle, the trouble and consternation 
that prevailed knew no bounds. Who could have 
ventured to enter the Castle, and steal away the 
infant heir? — what daring spirit could have con- 
ceived the plot? or, what was the object to be at- 
tained by it ? The matter was inexplicable, and all 
their reasoning upon it only led to greater mystery. 
That Miss Martin had any hand in the transac- 
tion never entered any of their heads ; they were 
under the impression that she had left the Castle 
with her sister-in-law ; whereas, that lady, knowing 
that she had shut herself in her chamber to weep 
and pray alone, had not thought of disturbing her, 
believing that, when the severity of her grief had 
somewhat subsided, she would, of her own accord, 
return to Springfarm. Thus, the young lady’s ab- 
sence, on that eventful day, was unknown to either 
party ; and her being concerned in the disappear- 
ance of the child, was never suspected by any one. 

O’Dougherty’s horror and distraction at the loss 
of his son was fearful to witness, and it took all the 
influence that Father Maguire could exert, to keep 
him within the bounds of reason. 

The surrounding country soon became convulsed, 
and horsemen, amongst whom Mr. Harman and 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


85 


Thomas Martin were not the least active, were seen 
flying hither and thither, searching every comer, and 
questioning every peasant whom they met. Even 
Mr. Knox showed the utmost concern, and lent all 
his energies to the unraveling of the mystery ; so 
that the suspicion that Mr. Maguire had first en- 
tertained of the Protestant clergy, and the Martin 
family being implicated in the abduction, was now 
considerably removed. 

The next day, placards were posted in all the 
towns and villages round, and on each of the cross- 
roads, ofiering large rewards for the least information 
relative to the child ; and advertisements appeared 
in the county papers to the same effect ; but, though 
many came forward, with pretended or imaginary 
light upon the absorbing subject, yet no clue was 
ever gained by which the child’s real destiny could 
be discovered. 

Little dreamed the humble woman, who was ap- 
pointed by the Foundling Institution to nurse the 
child registered as “ Denis Martin,” that a sum of 
money, which, to her, would have been an immense 
fortune, could, at that hour, have been obtained for 
possession of the same child. 

Time rolled on, and the excitement gradually 
subsided, and tranquillity returned to the sympa- 
thetic breasts af the inhabitants of Ballyshan ; 


86 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


nevertheless, the mysterious disappearance of the 
high-born babe never ceased to be the subject of 
conversation throughout the country. 

Meanwhile, the winter months moved gloomily 
over the old turrets of the Castle ; for its bereaved 
master, whose religion was not able to sustain him 
through sorrow and misfortune, had sunk into a 
state of melancholy, which banished all cheerful- 
ness from the household. At length, fears were 
entertained for his mental and bodily health, and 
his friends and medical advisers suggested that he 
should leave the seclusion of the Castle, and recruit 
his broken spirits by change of scene and inter- 
course with the world. At first, this advice ap- 
peared so very distasteful to him, that there was 
scarcely any hope of his acceding to it; but Mr. 
Maguire’s assistance was brought in, and the influ- 
ence of the wily priest proved successful. Accord- 
ingly, in the fresh spring-tide, the O’Dougherty 
traveling-carriage again emerged from beneath the 
lofty ‘oaks by which the Castle was surrounded. 
Every head was silently uncovered as it passed 
along, and many a heart-felt benediction followed 
it. O ! there is a depth of reverence claimed by 
sorrow, that joy, in its proudest moments, cannot 
command ! 

Three years were spent abroad. During the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


87 


summer months, were visited every place of inter- 
est in Ireland and the British Isles, and the sunny 
regions of Southern Europe were resorted to for the 
winter season. The luxurious East next claimed 
attention ; the classic fields of Greece were traversed 
o’er, and every portion of the Holy Land was ex- 
plored with superstitious veneration. Thus the 
young man’s mind was gradually diverted from his 
great grief, until life again appeared a blessing, 
and our beautiful world a region of enjoyment. 
Society was no longer shunned ; even pleasure be- 
came pleasing, and, by the time he reached Paris 
on his return, his cheerfulness was so far restored 
that he lingered some time in that gay city, min- 
gling in those brilliant scenes that he had before 
avoided with ascetic contempt. 

Nor did he return to Ireland alone. A wealthy 
and independent landed proprietor was too substan- 
tial a prize for the intriguing belles that haunted 
the saloons of fashion, not to contend for; and he 
soon fell a prey to the subtle fascinations of 
Mademoiselle D’Orville, the daughter of a poor 
but proud and bigoted count. This time, his wife 
was an aristocrat and a Catholic ; and, if the void 
which the lovely Ellen had left in his heart was 
not quite filled, yet O’Dougherty felt a proud satis- 
faction in the thought that his second choice would 


88 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


be sure to meet the entire approbation of bis friends 
and the Church. 

The tenantry of Bally shan again rejoiced over 
the return of their beloved landlord, and hailed 
with hearty welcome his foreign bride ; while many 
a warm prayer was poured forth that his domestic 
sun might never again be clouded, nor misfortune 
suffered to cast her hateful shadow on his hearth. 
The Castle once more became the scene of life and 
gayety ; music and festivity resounded through its 
ancient halls ; and, if “ the Madam,” as she was 
called, was not as fondly beloved as her gentle 
predecessor had been, yet the splendor of her 
entertainments, and the sparkling vivacity of her 
manners, made her an immense favorite amongst 
the votaries of fashion. The lost heir was also 
replaced, and the merry laugh of childhood rung 
through the gayly adorned nurseries. 

Nor was Father Maguire amongst the least grati- 
fied at the present state of affairs; for, while the 
accession of the O’Dougherty family and their vis- 
itors to his congregation augmented his pride and 
importance, their sumptuous table, at which he was 
a frequent guest, and the number of jovial sporting 
characters assembled there, considerably added to 
his enjoyment. 

Changes have also taken place at Springfarm 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


89 


since we last visited there. Mr. Martin’s health 
and spirits never recovered the shock he received 
at his daughter’s death : he could not forgive him- 
self for having yielded a tardy and reluctant con- 
sent to her marriage. It was in vain that his 
amiable family surrounded him with the most as- 
siduous attentions, and his remaining daughter 
exerted her affectionate skill to soothe his grief, 
still his bowed form and heavy sigh, as he wan- 
dered up and down, told that his heart was broken ; 
and even when Thomas, with a young father’s pride, 
placed another grandson in his arms, he tenderly 
kissed the babe, offered up a fervent prayer for it, 
blessed them all, but smiled iiot. 

One day, as he sat with his large, old Bible be- 
fore him, Kate, who was occupied with her needle 
in the same room, perceived that he was much 
affected by what he was reading ; for his eyes filled 
with tearsi and he was obliged to remove his spec- 
tacles to wipe the moisture from them. Presently 
he rose and left the room. Kate approached the 
table to see what he had been reading. She found 
the book open at the twelfth chapter of Second 
Samuel, and supposed that his emotion was occa- 
sioned by the account of David’s sorrow for Bath- 
sheba’s child. It immediately struck her that, 
without making him acquainted with the particu- 


90 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


lars of little Denis’s fate, she might comfort her 
poor father’s mind by letting him know the baby 
was safe. She, therefore, hastily turned to the 
fourth chapter of Second Kings, and drew her pen- 
cil heavily round the passage — “ Is it well with the 
child ? and she answered, ‘ it is well.’ ” 

When the old gentleman returned to the room 
and sat down, he saw that his book was not open 
as he had left it, and, looking over the page, he per- 
ceived the dark line, and read the passage it desig- 
nated. A sudden light broke upon him ; he cast an 
inquiring glance at his daughter, and was answered 
by an intelligent smile. It was enough : his heart 
swelled with pious gratitude, and tears of joy be- 
dewed his cheeks, as, clasping his trembling hands 
and raising his dim eyes, he fervently exclaimed : 
“ Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within 
me, bless his holy name!” After this his mind 
seemed easier, though he asked no questions. His 
confidence in his eldest daughter’s veracity was 
unbounded, and his respect for her judgment and 
discretion so great, that what she said was well^ he 
firmly and implicitly believed to be so. But the 
old man’s time was come, and he knew it. He had 
finished his warfare — he had drank his cup of sor- 
row, and there was no more for him to do — no more 
for him to suffer. 







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91 


Every day Mr. Knox came to see his old friend, 
whom he esteemed as a brother ; and their Christian 
fellowship had never been sweeter than now wheh 
they were about to be separated. 

Each evening, also, Mr. Harman’s chair was drawn 
close to his ; and the mild and musical voice, that 
loved to dwell upon heaven and heavenly things, 
was ever welcom^e to the good man’s ear. The 
sacred penman says : “ The righteous hath hope in 
his death and, if ever one of the fallen sons of 
Adam deserved to be called righteous, surely the 
pious and exemplary John Martin was the man. 
His end was peace. Gradually, as the fading twi- 
light disappears from the summer sky, his sancti- 
fied spirit passed away; so that, instead of saying 
“ he died,” the more appropriate description of his 
departure would be, “ He was not, for God took 
him.” 

At length the time came when our affectionate 
and self-sacrificing Kate should think of her own 
happiness. She had long been engaged to a worthy 
and truly religious young man, the son of an opu- 
lent and respectable farmer, with whom she had 
promised to leave her native land and seek a home 
in the western hetnisphere; but the sickness and 
death of her sister prevented its fulfillment, and it 
was arranged that her lover should cross the Atlan- 


92 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


tic alone, select and purchase a suitable tract of 
land, and, after spending a year or more building 
and improving, return to Ireland for his bride. 

*[t was not many months after the death of Mr. 
Martin, when Samuel Graham again appeared in 
Bally shan. Kate would fain have postponed her 
marriage until the year of mourning had expired ; 
but Mr. Graham would not consent to defer his 
happiness any longer ; neither would the friends 
sanction it. She was, therefore, prevailed on to put 
off the weeds of sorrow, and suffer herself to be 
robed in bridal costume. Her marriage was a sol- 
emn more than a joyful one ; for there was a part- 
ing in the background which cast a shade upon 
every heart. 

Kate accompanied her husband to the wilds of 
Canada, and the day she turned her back on Bally- 
shan, she left not her like behind her. 


I 


CHAPTER V. 

For I know him, that he will command his children and his 
household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. — 
Genesis 18 : 19. 

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; 
knowing that je also have a Master in heaven . — Colossians 4:1. 

“Welcome home, Philip,” said Mrs. Cunning- 
ham, as she threw open the door at which her 
husband’s gig had just stopped. 

“And glad to get home, my dear,” was the good- 
humored reply, accompanied by a hearty kiss. 

“ Welcome home, sir,” said a frizzly-headed youth, 
as he took the reins out of his master’s hand. 

“ Thank you, Tim, thank you ; give him a com- 
fortable feed, Tim,” he added, as the boy led the 
horso away, “and a good rubbing down, and then 
come in and the mistress will give you a cup of tea 
before you go to bed. Come in, honey,” he con- 
tinued, addressing a little boy who stood like a 


94 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


stranger on the step of the door, “ come in, and 
don’t be shy ; this is the mistress.” 

“O, you brought home a boy, Philip,” said that 
lady, now for the first time noticing the new-comer ; 
then advancing, she took his hand warmly in hers, 
and drew him into the parlor, and, seating herself 
by the fire, still holding his hand, she proceeded to 
take a survey of him — soon appearing, by the look 
of pleased approbation, she bestowed on him, per- 
fectly satisfied with the inspection. 

“And what is your name, my little man?” she 
inquired, with a merry twinkle of her blue eyes. 

“Denis Martin, ma’am,” replied the child, charm- 
ed out of his timidity by the kind familiarity of the 
lady’s manner. 

“Denis Martin,” she repeated; “a good old 
name. And are you a good boy, Denis?” 

“ I try to be, ma’am,” was the artless reply. 

“ You try to be,” and she laid her hand encour- 
agingly on his open brow. “Well, my dear boy, 
God always helps those who try to be good. We 
have a little boy about your age ; you shall see him 
to-morrow, and help him to weed the garden for 
me. Now, sit on that little stool and warm your- 
self. You shall have some supper presently and 
she turned to the table to prepare her husband’s 
tea. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


95 


Mr. Cunningham, who had been disencumbering 
himselfof his great-coat and woolen comforter, and 
divesting his feet of a pair of strong, thick-soled 
shoes, and snugly ensconsing them in a pair of soft 
slippers that lay on the hearth-rug waiting for him, 
now took his seat at the table, and, devoutly raising 
his hands, asked a blessing upon the food prepared 
for him ; and, while he sipped his fragrant tea, and 
partook of the smoking hot comforts set in array 
before him, he gave his wife a disjointed account of 
his journey to and from Dublin, and of his market 
business there — how corn sold, and what price he 
got for his butter, etc., all of which was listened to 
with pleased attention ; for Mrs. Cunningham had 
ever been a deeply-interested partner in all her 
husband’s concerns — every particular of which 
she was not only made acquainted with, but her 
advice frequently sought, and her opinion appealed 
to. 

Nor was the little stranger neglected ; for Stacey 
was called from the kitchen and given him in charge, 
together with a plentiful supply of tea and other 
extras, so that they might have a comfortable little 
supper together when Tim should come in from his 
attendance on the horse. Stacey was also requested 
to give Tim directions ‘respecting Denis’s bed, Mrs. 
Cunningham kindly hinting that, as the new-comer 


96 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


might be a little shy, they should try and make him 
feel at home. 

When Denis had left the room, Mr. Cunningham 
proceeded to tell his wife that he had taken him as 
an apprentice out of the Foundling Hospital, and 
that, from the excellent character he had received 
with him, he hoped that they would find him of no 
small value. 

On the following morning, Denis was awoke early 
by the chattering of his companions. “ Good-mor- 
row, youngster,” said a couple of voices, as soon as 
he opened his eyes. “And so you’re come from 
Dublin, little fellow,” said a good-natured-looking 
young man, who was dressing himself near the bed. 

“ Yes, sir,” said Denis. 

“ 0, now, you needn’t sir me,” was the laughing 
rebuke ; “ don’t be cornin’ your city politeness over 
us that way.” 

“An’ it’d be a good job if he’d tache some of us 
politeness,” observed Tim, who was trying to make 
his rough hair lie down by drawing a coarse comb 
through it. 

“ Thrue for you, Tim,” was the reply; “ but why 
don’t you oil your hair, an’ have it dhrest in the 
fashion— it’s yourself id have a purty head, if you’d 
only take pains wud it.” 

This speech was followed by a loud laugh, 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


97 


in which Tim himself joined, presently observ- 
ing- 

“Well, and sure my hair’s as good as the rest o’ 
me ; it’d be a pity to have one part of a fella laugh- 
in’ at another,” and, chuckling with admiration at 
his own wit, he swung out of the door. 

Denis waited till they were all gone, to say his 
prayers, and then hastened out, anxious to be ap- 
pointed to his new duties. He was soon met by 
Mr. Cunningham, who greeted him with his usual 
good-natured smile. 

“ Well, honey, how do you like the place?” 

“ Very much, sir, indeed ; it’s a nice place.” 

“ And plenty to do to keep it nice,” was the 
laughing rejoinder. 

“Well, sir, what can I be doing?” inquired the 
boy, gaining confidence from the friendly tone of 
his master. 

“ 0, you’ll soon have enough to do,” said the 
farmer, “ when you get used ; but didn’t the mis- 
tress say last night that she’d take you into the 
garden to-day. Well, run along, my lad, and see if 
you can find anything to do there.” 

“ Thank you, sir,” was the happy answer ; and 
away the boy bounded across the bawn to a small 
wicket-gate, overarched with evergreens, which ad- 
mitted him inside the inclosure. 

5 


98 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ 0, how nice !” exclaimed the boy ; “ won’t I 
like to work here. And he rambled down one walk, 
and up another, longing to be made useful in that 
beautiful place, and yet afraid to touch anything 
lest he should do wrong. 

Presently he heard the pattering of feet, and, look- 
ing round, saw a lad about his own size coming run- 
ning towards him, whom he at once supposed to be 
his master’s son. The young gentleman had the 
farmer’s athletic form and off-hand manner, while 
the mistress’s happy smile shone upon his hand- 
some face. 

“You’re the new boy, arn’t you?” was his first 
inquiry, as he approached. 

“Yes, sir,” said Denis, “the master gave me leave 
to come here to look for something to do.” 

“0, never mind doing just yet, the very first 
morning ; mamma says, after breakfast she’ll show 
you. What’s your name ?” he inquired, in the same 
abrupt tone. 

“ Denis Martin, sir.” 

“ Denis. Well, Denis, my name’s James.” ' 

After this brief introduction the two bovs were 
perfectly acquainted, and walked round and round 
the garden together— James playing the host to 
admiration, while Denis decided that he was the 
most good-natured boy in the world. When break- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


99 


, fast-hour arrived, they hastened to the house, Denis 
entering by the back-door. He found a large table 
set in the kitchen, down the centre of which were 
several dishes of smoking-hot stirabout, while the 
work-people sat round, each with a noggin of fresh 
milk before him, and a bright spoon in his hand 
with which he attacked the dish opposite him. 
Stacey showed Denis to a seat beside Tim, and, 
having brought a good appetite in from the garden, 
he did full justice to the wholesome meal, and 
thought it was the sweetest breakfast he had ever 
eaten. The conversation, if not the most intellec- 
tual, was lively, witty, and playful, and Denis 
thought, as he laughed at some of their sallies, that 
^ a country life must be very free from care. 

After breakfast, Denis again repaired to the gar- 
den, where he soon had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. 
Cunningham enter. The good lady came smiling 
towards him, her bright, happy face shaded by a 
gingham hood, a little plaid shawl pinned cozily 
over her bosom, and her hands cased in a pair of 
thick gloves. 

“ Good morning, Denis,” was her cheerful saluta- 
tion. “Well, how do you think you’ll like helping 
me in the garden?” 

“ I know I’ll like it well, ma’am.” 

“ They tell me you’re very anxious to begin.” 


100 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ 0, yes, ma’am, if you please.” 

“ Well, then, my boy. I’ll set you to weed these 
beds for me, and, when I see how you can work, I’ll 
give you something else to do.” 

Mrs. Cunningham soon found that she had a very 
efficient workman, and laughingly said, that she 
believed she’d keep him altogether in the garden. 
Now, said garden was the lady’s own particular pro- 
vince ; and if ever a piece of ground was carefully 
and lovingly tended, it was that ; almost all her 
leisure time was spent in it, and all her thoughts, 
that were not devoted to her house and her children, 
were expended on it, until she had brought it to a 
state of perfection that very few farmers’ gardens 
attain to. It was both flower-garden, kitchen-gar- 
den, and orchard, besides accommodating ten or a 
dozen bee-hives. These last were settled in an 
angle, in a bed of sweet herbs, surrounded by 
monthly roses ; while the opposite angle was occu- 
pied by a large and beautiful arbor, constructed of 
evergreens, amongst which the most luxurious creep- 
ers interlaced themselves. Along the bottom flowed 
a tiny rivulet, sparkling and bubbling over' its 
pebbly bed, until, entering the farm-yard, it fell into 
a pond where the cattle drank, and the water-fowl 
performed their ablutions. 

In this lovely retreat, surrounded by the flowers 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


101 


of every clime and every season, little Denis soon 
felt quite at home, and gaily prattled to his kind 
mistress, who, with her wonted benevolence, had 
sought to dissipate the feeling of shyness that he 
at first evinced, by drawing him into conversation ; 
and was soon made acquainted with all the particu- 
lars of his life in the Institution — how he had spent 
his time; what he had learnt, and which of the 
officers he liked best — ^particularly mentioning the 
schoolmaster, with whom he had been a prime 
favorite, and who had presented him with a beau- 
tiful book, as a keepsake, when leaving. 

“ And how many books have you, Denis ?” in- 
quired the lady, glad to find that he was fond of 
reading. 

“ Only my Bible and prayer-book, ma’am, that I 
got from the House, and that one that the school- 
master gave me.” 

“And what’s the name of that oneV' 

“ ‘ Young’s Night Thoughts,’ ma’am — a beautiful 
book — all poetry.” 

“Are you fond of poetry?” asked the lady, re- 
garding the boy with a prolonged smile. 

“ 0 yes, ma’am, I dote on it.” 

“ And you love flowers ?” 

“ Yes, ma’am, indeed I do!” And from that hour 
the Foundling had a firm and attached friend. 


102 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


All day Denis worked in the garden, sometimes 
alone, sometimes overseen by his mistress, and after 
school-hours surrounded by the children, all eager 
to see and talk to the “ new boy.” At night, when 
the orphan lay on his bed, and his thoughts ran 
back over the occurrences of the day, he congratu- 
lated himself upon having got into a “nice place,” 

. amongst “ nice people ;” and his last thoughts, be- 
fore sleep overcame him, was, that he should be 
perfectly happy. 

Life jogged on smoothly in the townland of Fri- 
arsford — that obscure spot of earth where Mr. Cun- 
ningham’s carefully cultivated farm was situated. 
Here, we have no stirring scenes to recount — no 
strange adventures to narrate. To the simple in- 
habitants of that remote region, the big world, 
with its cares, and commotions, and crimes, was an 
unread book. Sometimes, Dame Report put in her 
head, and gave them a startling account of won- 
derful doings abroad, at which the unsophisticated 
rustic stared, and inquired, “ Can such things be?” 
then returned to his plow and harrow, and forgot 
that the world extended beyond the Dublin market. 
Yet was not the neighborhood free from its full 
portion of the general curse. The sons of the soil 
eat their bread “in the sweat of their face.” La- 
bor, arduous and unremitting, was their lot ; nor 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


103 


did they shrink from it ; for, from the most inde- 
pendent farmer down to the humblest boy upon 
his land, all were up and stirring with the lark, ex- 
panding their lungs with the fresh morning breeze, 
and invigorating their limbs with wholesome exer- 
cise. 

Neither was this constant activity without its 
benefits ; for the inhabitants were a strong and 
healthy race, being, in a great measure, free from 
those diseases of mind and body, to which the chil- 
dren of idleness and luxury are liable. There was 
but one physician in the whole parish, and he was 
by no means rich ; for his services were seldom 
required, except in cases of extremity : and as for 
a lawyer, such an individual would have starved in 
those parts ; for constant employment kept the peo- 
ple without time for quarreling, and if a dispute 
should arise, it would be easily discussed with the 
fists, and a shaking of hands and a glass of “ the 
native” together, paid the costs at the end. As for 
the lawless and contentious — some of whom are to 
be found in every district upon earth — a couple of 
magistrates and a small corps of police were suffi- 
cient to keep them in order. Indeed, altogether, it 
was as peaceable and happy a neighborhood as you 
could meet, and prosperous, too, as far as rural 
prosperity is concerned ; for the lands of Friarsford 


104 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


were rich and well tilled, and the people so uncon- 
scious of the importance of superfluities, that all 
their means were devoted to procuring the com- 
forts and necessaries of life. Substantial and un- 
pretending abundance was, therefore, enjoyed by 
every class — even the gentry entertaining a lauda- 
ble contempt for display, and in their tables, 
equipages, and pleasures, consulted their own 
tastes in preference to the extravagant whims of 
fashion. 0 ! a quiet, primitive, matter-of-fact sort of 
place was Friar sford, and dearly loved by its happy- 
hearted natives, many of whom spent their whole 
lives without ever having been ten miles from 
home. 

And this was the place to which our young friend 
Denis Martin, his birth and lineage unknown, was 
bound for seven years of his young life, amongst 
the lowest society, and at the coarsest employ- 
ments; but, having been educated with no higher 
expectations, while his mind had been stored with 
solid rather than showy truths, he regarded nothing 
as low and coarse that was not mean and wicked, 
and set himself to the performance of the duties 
assigned to him with cheerfulness and alacrity. He 
was not long in discovering that his master and 
mistress were not merely Protestants, but faithful 
servants of the most high God, whose lives and 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


105 


principles were in conformity with the Gospel 
plan, and who prayerfully and earnestly endeavored 
to “ command their children and their household, 
that they should keep the way of the Lord.” God 
was worshiped at home, as well as in the sanctuary, 
and a spirit of piety and devotion was entertained 
not only on the Sabbath, but carried through the 
duties of the week. 

Denis, whom they regarded as an important trust 
committed to their keeping, was carefully guarded 
and instructed, sharing with their own children in 
all their religious advantages, and suffered to mingle 
as little as possible with the careless and ungodly. 
The young servant, therefore, while saved from the 
evils of temptation and bad example, also enjoyed 
every opportunity and facility of obtaining a per- 
fect knowledge of religious truth. And well did 
the humble orphan repay their solicitude ; for his 
intelligence and desire for improvement attracted 
general admiration, while his exemplary conduct 
and respectable bearing won for him universal 
esteem. Mrs. O’Dougherty’s dying prayer was 
answered — her son received a Bible education, and 
richly profited by it. His life, too, was a singularly 
happy one ; for, providentially placed in a home, 
where he was kindly sheltered from the many evils 

and sorrows that the unparented poor are subject- 
s' 


106 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


ed to, his time passed swiftly and joyously along. 
Added to this, his tastes were decidedly rural ; so 
that the duties of his station, instead of being a 
cause of discontent, were performed with cheerful 
alacrity, his only ambition appearing to be, a desire 
to excel in field employments, as well as to gain a 
proficiency in agricultural lore. 

With a view to the latter attainment, his atten- 
tion was keenly alive to his master’s instructions ; 
and when, at Christmas, Mr. Cunningham presented 
him, as a reward gift, with a copy of “ The Practi- 
cal Parmer,” his boyish delight was unbounded, 
and, ever after, the study of its pages was a source 
of so much pleasure to him, as to be second only to 
the Bible. Thus the young apprentice became one 
of the most essential auxiliaries on the farm ; so that 
the prediction of Mr. Cunningham on the first night 
of the boy’s arrival, that he would prove a valuable 
servant, was amply verified. 

With his humble associates Denis also became 
quite a favorite; and when it is considered that 
. the name of foundling, from being synonymous 
with illegitimacy and obscurity, amongst a people 
who regard blameless birth and honest parentage 
as of the highest importance, necessarily exposes 
its unhappy possessor to unmitigated contempt, it 
must appear as no small compliment to the good 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


107 


qualities and amiable character of our hero, that 
his degraded origin was overlooked, and himself 
received on an equal footing, by a lowly and illiter- 
ate but virtuous and right-minded peasantry. 

The boy’s superiority of mind, too, gained him 
additional respect. Not that his intellect was 
brighter, nor his capacity more extended than many 
of those around him ; but, while they, alas ! were 
suffering under the blighting miasma of ignorance 
and superstition which blinded their eyes and 
clouded their reasons, he was walking in the blessed 
light of the Gospel — “hearing, reading, marking, 
learning, and inwardly digesting” those elevating 
truths, by the knowledge and practice of which 
fallen man is reinstated in the image of God, made 
“ a little lower than the angels, and crowned with 
honor and glory.” That in this alone he had the 
advantage of them, his rude and untutored compan- 
ions were unaware ; who regarded his correct lan- 
guage and gentle manners as tokens of more than 
common education, and his ability to converse upon 
subjects of which they had no comprehension as 
sure indications of scholarship and genius. 

It was in vain that he told them his learning was 
of no higher order than their own, and that any of 
them who could read might easily attain to as 
much knowledge as he possessed — endeavoring to 


lOS 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


convince them that, if he confined his attention, as 
they did, to the perusal of vulgar ballads, and coarse 
delineations of low life, his mind would be no better 
instructed than theirs. 

Sometimes, when seated round the kitchen fire at 
the close of the day’s work, he would try to draw 
them to the consideration of some useful subject ; 
but their wayward dispositions were not to be 
kept long in check, and some chance observation, 
perhaps, by eliciting a witty or humorous reply, 
would cause a laugh, and lead the conversation back 
to its usual channel. 

Nor was this always the efiect of mere accident. 
Amongst the laborers in Mr. Cunningham’s employ 
were two brothers of the name of Murphy, who, 
from being distantly related to the parish priest, 
obtained no small degree of consideration from their 
fellows ; and the eldest of whom, possessing a strong 
mind, and a bold, confident manner, together with 
a large amount of animal beauty, maintained a pre- 
eminence, not only in the farmer’s kitchen, but 
through the whole neighborhood. 

The youngest, though also a handsome, well- 
formed youth, lacked much of the spirit and dash 
that rendered his brother so popular. He was rather 
of a thoughtful and contemplative turn, and, from 
the first, had shown a strong preference for Denis — 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


109 


always seemed glad of an opportunity of hearing 
him read and asking him questions, which the other 
took equal pleasure in replying to. 

Larry Murphy, with his habitual acuteness, soon 
observed the influence the Protestant boy was gain- 
ing over his young brother, and, without apprehend- 
ing any very serious consequences, slyly determined 
to counteract it ; accordingly, every attempt to in- 
troduce conversation of a sober nature, whether in the 
field or in the kitchen, was adroitly frustrated ; yet, 
with such careless good humor were the interruptions 
effected, that the real object was not suspected. 

Who, that has ever looked into a farmer’s kitchen 
of a winter’s night, but has been gratified with the 
degree of comfort and simple enjoyment apparent 
there ; and that portion of Mr. Cunningham’s sub- 
stantial homestead could compare favorably with 
any other in that respect. The huge turf fire, that 
blazed upon the hearth, and reflected its dazzling 
light upon the rows of polished pewter on the 
dresser opposite, had such a warm and joyous look, 
while the well-rubbed furniture and clean-swept 
hearth appeared so inviting, that Stacey and Molly 
were seldom left alone over their carding and spin- 
ning ; and right pleasantly the light-hearted group 
that, night after night, assembled there, beguiled the 
dull, inclement season. 


110 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ God help the houseless and homeless this blake 
weather,” murmured Stacey one evening, as the wind 
howled, and the rain beat violently against the doors 
and windows. 

“ And how thankful ought we to be for the com- 
forts we enjoy,” observed Denis, raising his eyes 
from the book he had been conning. 

“ Thrue for you, alanna,” rejoined the girl, “ an’ 
it’s yourself that always has the good, pious word.” 

“ But the piety commenced with yourself this time, 
Stacey,” said Denis with a smile. 

“ Yis, indeed,” chimed in Tim, “ an it ed be well 
if every one was as good as Stacey, or knew as much 
aither.” 

“Arrah, howld yer tongue, Tim,” was the bash- 
ful reply; “ yer always spakin that way. Sure it’s 
very little good there’s in me ; an, as for knowin’ 
anything — what would I know ? that never read a 
line in my life, barrin my prayers or an ould 
song.” 

“Well, you know, Stacey,” interposed Denis, 
“ any one, who can read a prayer-book, can read 
other books, if they like and I know very little 
myself, but what I have acquired by reading.” 

“Now whisht, Dinny, agra. As if a boy, idicated 
in a big school in Dublin, could help havin’ more 
larnin nor a poor, simple counthry girl.” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Ill 


“ That’s thrue,” said Pat Murphy, who had been 
drawing figures on the hearth with a short stick 
while he listened to the conversation. “That’s 
thrue, Stacey ; but Dinny keeps sayin’ so much 
about the good to be got by readin’ that I’ve a mind 
to thry it myself.” 

“ Suppose we all thry it,” exclaimed Larry, with 
a start of mock earnestness, and drawing a short 
pipe, that he had been lustily whiffing, from his 
mouth ; “ eh, Tim ! what do you say ? Suppose 
you git thim brains of yours polished up, who knows 
but you might turn out a rale ganious? an’ thin, if 
you’d spruce yourself up a thrifle, an’ brush thim 
locks o’ yours, the misthress might mistake you for 
a gintleman, an’ ax you up to the parlor to take tay.” 

“An’ if she did,” replied Tim, who was accus- 
tomed to the good-humored railery of his workmate, 
“ If she did, maybe I wouldn’t be the first o’ my 
name that took tay in a parlor. Jim Nowlan says 
that, in the histhory of the ould castle, there beyant, 
the O’Flanagans are mintioned among the biggest 
people in the counthry.” 

“ Sorra doubt of it,” was the grave rejoinder, 
while a roguish smile played around the handsome 
mouth of Larry. “ Didn’t I always say there was 
something above the common about you — if you’d 
only git some oil for your hair.” 


112 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ By yer lave, till I see if the supper’s done,” here 
interposed Stacey, pushing her way towards a large 
pot that was suspended over the fire. “ An’ maybe,” 
she remarked, with an air of some consequence, 
“ Tim’s not the only one that’s come of a daisant 
stock. If the ould castle could spake it might tell 
many a good story of the O’Keilly’s of Killough, 
that fought so famously for King Shamus, when 
Orange Billy was dhrivin’ him off o’ the throne ; but 
what’s the use in talkin’ about thim,” she added, 
perceiving that Denis’s head was bowed low upon 
his hands, while his book lay neglected beside him ; 
“ the’re all pass’d away now, and left their descind- 
ants nothin’ but poverty an’ hard work. A good 
characther an’ the grace of God,” she continued, 
with a kind glance towards the Foundling, “ is bet- 
ther nor the best blood in the world.” 

“Thrue for you. Miss Keilly !” exclaimed Larry, 
springing to his feet; “but gi’ me that pot out o’ 
your hand. Sure it isn’t goin’ to lift it y’are, an’ a 
set o’ sthrappin’ young fellas like us sittin’ round 
and, swinging out the rack from which the steaming 
vessel hung, he seized it in his powerful hands, and 
in a moment its contents were overturned into a 
coarse basket, that, resting on a tub, stood ready to 
receive them ; a few minutes, and the company were 
seated round a clean-spread table, with large dishes 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


113 


of laughing, flowery potatoes, smoking before them, 
and shining vessels of sweet, fresh milk beside each. 

“ Come, boys, let us have a toast,” said Larry, as 
he raised his noggin of milk. ‘‘ Here’s to the 
O ’Flanagans and the O’Reillys ; to be dhrunk stan- 
nin’, wud all the honors.” 

“Will anybody stop that fella’s mouth wud a big 
potaty?” exclaimed Stacey, with difficulty keeping 
back the laugh in which the others freely indulged. 

“ Throth, asthore,” he replied, with a saucy wink, 
“an’ it’s yerself could stop my mouth ’ithout any 
potaty at all, if you liked.” 

“ O, you ugly spalpeen!” screamed the girl, “if 
there >vas nobody in the whole world but yerself, I 
wouldn’t go near you.” 

After supper Larry contrived to interest his com- 
panions by relating old fairy-tales, with which his 
memory was plentifully stored, and thus kept the 
attention of the group centred upon himself, until 
Denis was summoned to the parlor to join in family 
worship ; and there, as the boy listened to the 
sublime language of Holy Writ, as read by the pious 
farmer, or mingled his aspirations with the simple 
and eloquent prayer that proceeded from the same 
unfeigned lips, he forgot the coarse, and the rough, 
and the ungenial of his daily associations; while his 
ductile mind yielded to the refining and elevating 


114 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


influence that religion always exercises over the 
human heart. 

It was Mr. Cunningham’s custom to spend the 
Sunday afternoons in the midst of his family, in 
reading the Scriptures and conversing familiarly 
with them upon religious subjects — it being an ob- 
ject with the good man to make that sacred day 
pass pleasantly as well as profitably, and so to com- 
bine serious duties with social enjoyments, that his 
children might be able to ‘‘ call the Sabbath a 
delight.” Upon these occasions, Denis always was 
present; and, whether sheltered by the thick foliage 
of the garden-bower from the summer sun, while 
the perfumed air floated lazily around, or sep.ted in 
the large, old-fashioned parlor, while the cheerful 
turf gleamed, and shone, and sparkled in the bright- 
ly-polished grate, and dispelled the damp chill from 
the wintry atmosphere, the -feeling of home happi- 
ness, that was so largely experienced by the little 
party, communicated itself to the warm bosom of 
the young stranger; and no heart in his father’s 
princely castle beat with sweeter emotions than his 
who, unportioned and unknown, was alienated from 
its haughty towers. 

“ We’ll soon be through the Bible again,” said 
Martha, one Sunday, as they closed their books, 
after reading the Epistle of Jude. “ Dada,” she in- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


115 


quired, “ how many times have you read the Bible 
through ?” 

“ Indeed I can’t say, honey,” replied the farmer ; 
“ maybe twenty time. Some parts of it I have read 
more than others, especially the New Testament.” 

“ O, the New Testament !” exclaimed the child ; 
“ you have that almost by heart.” 

“Well, I believe I have read it over and over 
again, until I am pretty well acquainted with it.” 

“ I sometimes think,” observed James, who had 
been looking gravely into the fire, “ what we should 
know if we never read the Bible ?” 

“ Why, we could know nothing of religion,” 
promptly answered Martha. 

“ Let us see,” said Eliza, preparing to entertain 
the question, “ we might know geography, and his- 
tory, and arithmetic, and all that, just as well ; and 
we might read our story-books, and the ‘ Child’s 
Magazine,’ and the ‘ Youths’ Instructor’ — ” 

“ Stop there,” interrupted James. “ Without the 
Bible there could be no ‘Child’s Magazine,’ nor 
‘ Youths’ Instructor,’ nor anything else that would 
be sensible.” 

“Nothing sensible, my son,” said his mother; 
“ what would some of the great philosophers say to 
that?” 

“Well, mamma, you know ‘ the fear of the Lord 


116 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


is the beginning of wisdom and where should we 
learn the fear of the Lord if we hadn’t the Bible?” 

‘‘ He’s right !” exclaimed his father, “he’s right — 
there’s nothing truly sensible but what the Bible is 
the foundation of. I have often been astonished, 
when reading the lives of those same philosophers, 
at the glaring defects their characters display ; why, 
there is more manliness of spirit, and nobleness of 
mind, to be found in the illiterate peasant who 
takes the Bible for his only teacher.” 

“ Don’t you think, dada,” inquired Martha, “that 
it is the want of the Bible that leaves our poor 
Roman Catholics so ignorant?” 

“ Certainly, honey, it is. There is no more intel- 
ligent race in the world than the Irish, and, if they 
were only blessed with a Gospel education, they 
could compare favorably with any other people.” 

“ I am sure,” resumed the child, in a sad tone, 
“it’s a great pity the priests deny it to them, and 
leave them in a state of darkness that subjects them 
to contempt. I was so mortified the other day, 
when reading an extract from some English author, 
where they are spoken of as ‘ the poor, benighted 
Irish.’ ” 

“ Well, you needn’t be mortified at that,” said 
James, hastily; “ let the English look at home, and 
they’ll find — ” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


117 


‘‘James, James,” gently interposed his father, 
“you are forgetting Him who, ‘ when he was reviled, 
reviled not again.’ I believe the English, as a peo- 
ple, don’t feel over-kindly towards us ; but we 
mustn’t talk of it on Sunday. What were you going 
to say, my dear” — observing that his wife had been 
about to speak. 

“I was thinking,” replied Mrs. Cunningham, 
“that it’s not the first time a fine and promising 
nation has been led astray by wicked and idolatrous 
rulers. I believe the degeneracy of the Jews may 
be altogether attributed to that cause.” 

“ Yes, indeed,” said the farmer; “ in tracing the 
downward course of the poor children of Israel, we 
find their errings and strayings to have been insti- 
gated by the example and influence of ungodly lead- 
ers. From their first act of idolatry, in worshiping 
the golden calf that Aaron made, on, on, through 
all their sad history, we find the dreadful record 
against such of their rulers as departed from the 
Living God, that, in addition to their own crimes, 
they ‘ made Israel to sin ;’ and at the last, when the 
measure of their iniquities was filled up by the 
sacrifice of their Eedeemer and King, we still find 
this unhappy people mere tools in the hands of the 
‘ chief priests and elders.’ Yes, indeed, there is a 
striking resemblance between God’s ancient Church 


118 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


and the Church of Rome ; and, of the latter, I have 
often exclaimed, as the prophet did of the former : 

‘ 0, my people, they which lead thee cause thee to 
err, and destroy the way of thy paths.’ ” 

“ Do you think, sir,” inquired Eliza, “ that if none 
but good men had governed them, the Jews would 
have been better people ?” 

“ Certainly, my love, I have every reason to think 
so ; we see how soon they turned from worshiping 
the calf when Moses appeared and reproved their 
great sin. And so we find it all through their 
course — they were influenced to worship God or to 
follow idols, according to the good or evil inclina- 
tions of their governors. In how many parts of the 
Scripture are they compared to sheep, obediently 
guided by their shepherds ? And, when they are con- 
victed of sin, the Lord complains : ‘ My people hath 
been lost sheep : their shepherds have caused them 
to go astray.’ You remember, when Christ was on 
earth, he was followed by multitudes of the people, 
who would have gladly received him if they had been 
encouraged by their teachers to do so ; but all faith 
in his divinity was overturned by the conclusive 
appeal, ‘ Have any of the rulers, or of the pharisees 
believed in him V 0, no ! chief priests and elders, 
rulers and pharisees, banded together against him, 
and the ignorant and misguided sheep tamely fol- 


BALLY SHAN CASTLE. 


119 


lowed. Since then the clergy of the Romish Church 
have appropriated a similar power ; and how they 
have abused it, the blood of saints and martyrs can 
testify.” 

“Now, don’t get upon that subject,” pleaded 
Mrs. Cunningham, with a shudder; “you know I 
can’t bear to read or hear of the dreadful persecu- 
tions the Reformers underwent. We never had any 
of it here, and I hope never shall.” 

“ Thank Grod, my dear, it is so. ‘ The lines have 
fallen to us in a pleasant place,’ where we can read 
the Bible and raise the family altar beneath our own 
roof-tree, no man ‘ making us afraid.’ The Popery 
that surrounds us wears a softer garb than that 
which she assumes in the south of Europe ; for the 
hearts she rules over are made of different stuff — 
warm, generous, and intelligent, they are never 
wanting in affectionate gratitude to those who treat 
them kindly, and can appreciate goodness, even in 
a heretic. But they have not the Gospel to teach 
them to love their enemies. And, when I hear of 
men, who, professing a better creed, ought to ex- 
hibit a better spirit, treating them with hatred and^ 
contempt, I do not wonder that acts of violence 
should follow, even sometimes to the loss of life.” 

“ They never killed you, sir,” said Eliza, looking 
up with a smile at her father, while she clasped her 


120 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


little hands round his knee, as she sat on a low stool 
by his side. 

“ No, indeed, my love,” he replied, fondly strok- 
ing her sunny hair with his large hand ; “ they 
never killed me, nor hurt me, nor offended me ; 
and I have been all my life as soundly and truly 
attached to the Reformed Religion, and as strongly 
opposed to the errors of the Romish faith, as any 
man living ; but I have learnt from my Bible, ‘ as 
much as lieth in me, to live peaceably with all 
men.’ This I have endeavored to practice, and the 
consequence has been, that I have gone in and out 
in perfect safety. I have been traveling the Dublin 
road since I was a boy, and up and down the coun- 
try to fairs and markets, yet never carried a wea- 
pon of any kind. Sometimes, when the country 
was. thought to be disturbed, my friends have urged 
me to provide myself with pistols ; but, I thank 
Grod, I never needed them. Often I have been on 
the road late at night, with no companion but my 
horse, yet never received a worse wish than ‘ God 
speed you, sir,’ or ‘ God save you kindly.’ Now, 
there are many men who would be afraid to do so ; 
but they are men who have not practiced their duty 
towards their neighbor, and it is evident they know 
nothing of the love of God ; for you know the in- 
quiry : ‘ He that loveth not his brother whom he 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


121 


hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not 
seen V O ! bigotry, intolerance, and party spirit 
are very different from the ‘ zeal ’ which is ‘ accord- 
ing to knowledge,’ and the ‘charity’ which ‘edi- 
fieth;’ and it grieves me — has grieved me all my 
life — to see the one set of feelings substituted for 
the other, and that, too, by the professed adherents 
of a Bibl e-reading Church. 

“ For the Catholics there is allowance to be 
made : they are taught to regard their Church 
as the only true one, and to believe that all who 
are outside of her pale are heretics and enemies, 
whose damnation is sure ; but ‘ we have not so 
learned Christ,’ and when we exhibit an unfriendly 
spirit toward those who are in error, we only pro- 
voke hostile feelings in them, and make our religion 
appear as unlovely as their own.” 

“ What a pity,” observed James, “ that our beau- 
tiful country should be disturbed by these contend- 
ing interests.” 

“It is so in every country,” replied his father, 
“ where Protestantism is separate from Christi- 
anity.” 

“Protestantism separate from Christianity, dada?” 
repeated Eliza in astonishment. 

“ Yes, honey, plenty of it — there are many, many 

Protestants, whose hearts are not imbued with the 
6 


122 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


spirit of Christ, which .they plainly indicate by a 
display of wicked and uncharitable principles ; but 
the follower of Him, who ‘came not into the world 
to condemn the world,’ endeavors to live upon 
terms of kindly peace with his Catholic brother, 
being careful to ‘ let his lighf so shine before men, 
that they may see his good works, and glorify his 
father which is in heaven and I believe that, if 
every Protestant was a true Christian, ‘evil’ would 
be so ‘ overcome with good,’ that the enemies of the 
Bible would ‘ hide their diminished heads,’ and that 
blessed book soon find its way into every hand and 
every heart in our land.” 

“ 0 ! that we might live to see it,” fervently 
responded Mrs. Cunningham. “ How earnestly, 
how unceasingly ought we to pray for our beloved 
country. Sometimes the spiritual welfare of my 
native land lies heavy on my heart ; but I can say, 
that no day passes over my head without pleading 
with heaven in her behalf, and in behalf of those 
who are laboring for her good. 

“ I hope, my darlings, you never neglect this 
duty;” and the gentle mother’s blue eyes swam 
in moisture as she looked round upon her chil- 
dren. “ After your own souls,” she continued, 
“ and the souls of your family, the spiritual inter- 
ests of your country should be remembered— and it 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


123 


will not be without profit to yourselves ; for, you 
know, when the Lord sends rain upon the land, our 
farm receives its full share of the shower : in the 
same manner shall our own bosoms be watered and 
blest when ‘ the times of refreshing shall come from 
the presence of the Lord.’ 

“ Denis, my boy, will you join us in praying for 
dear Ireland ?” — and the good lady’s glance rested 
softly on the youth, whose quiet face was lifted 
intelligently toward her — "‘pray that the clouds 
of error and bigotry may be penetrated and dis- 
persed by the bright rays of the Gospel, and that 
our little land may once more deserve the title that 
her piety anciently gained for her, of the ‘Island 
of Saints.’ ‘ The Lord loveth a cheerful giver,’ and 
none are so poor but they can give prayers. Then 
let them be poured forth generously, affectionately, 
unremittingly, and, as I said before, when the an- 
swers descend, our own souls shall be graciously 
and abundantly refreshed.” 

“ Refreshed, indeed,” echoed the farmer; “‘they 
shall prosper that love thee.’ In this, my dear, as 
well as everything, we heartily agree ; for I have 
always observed, that those, who were the most af- 
fectionately concerned for the religious advancement 
of their country, were themselves most richl)’- blest.” 

And the good man’s eyes gently closed, and his 


124 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


hands unclasped and raised themselves, as he de- 
voutly uttered : 

“ ‘ Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity 
within thy palaces. For my brethren and com- 
panions’ sakes, I will now say. Peace be within 
thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God 
I will seek thy good.’ ” 

It was now time for tea, and the little circle 
broke up. Denis withdrew to the kitchen, where 
he found the boys sitting round amusing each other 
with idle chat while their supper was preparing. 

The evening meal was scarcely concluded, when 
the church-bell pealed forth, and our hero again 
followed his master’s family to the sanctuary, 
where, seated among the parish orphans, he was 
always an example of humble and undivided atten- 
tion to the solemn service. 

As the sacred day drew to a close, the little flock 
assembled once more in the old parlor, and raised 
their hearts and voices together around the family 
altar: nor was it without a sweet fortaste of the 
eternal Sabbath, that the young orphan’s lips quiv- 
ered over the glowing lines : 

“ One day, amidst the place 

Where thou, my Lord, hast been, 

Is sweeter than ten thousand days 
Of pleasurable sin. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


126 


“ My willing soul would stay 
In such a frame as this, 
And sit and sing herself away 
To everlasting bliss.” 


CHAPTER VI. 

The servant of the Lord must not strive ; but be gentle unto all 
men, apt to teach, patient ; 

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves ; if God 
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of 
the truth. — 2 Timothy 2 : 24, 25. 

And now gay, cheerful spring again visited the 
earth, and all nature rejoiced at her approach. 
The little birds twittered and chirped amongst the 
trees and hedges, as if triumphantly counting over 
the soft green buds that were bursting from every 
spray; or, plying their nimble wings over the 
dainty meadows, where the happy lambkins sport- 
ed around their meek-looking mothers, picked up 
treasures of warm wool, with which they skillfully 
cushioned the chambers of their self-built dwell- 
ings. 

Nor was man less busy than his aerial neighbors; 
for the earth, that had rested under a frozen cover 
during the winter months, must now be upturned, 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


127 


and receive the tender seed into her fostering bo- 
som. To this end, plows and harrows were in mo- 
tion, and innumerable peasants were engaged in 
strewing manure, planting seeds, or scattering grain 
and loosely covering it with the rich soil. 

But nowhere was this genial season hailed with 
livelier welcome, than in the cherished garden of 
our friend, Mrs. Cunningham, who— herself moving 
lightly about, her soft eyes sparkling with pleasure, 
and chatting gaily to Denis, who had by this time 
become a most essential assistant, her active fin- 
gers performing numerous little offices that no 
other hand could be intrusted with — was the very 
personification of pure-hearted content. 

Oh ! there is health of mind and principle to be 
derived from a constant intercourse with the chil- 
dren of nature ; and a heart burdened with in- 
firmity, or a conscience stained with sin, is seldom 
the concomitant of one who watches, with tender 
interest, the unfolding of a flower, or listens, with 
charmed attention, to the warbling of a feathered 
friend. 

“0, Philip!” exclaimed Mrs. Cunningham, as her 
husband stood beside her in the garden, whither he 
had come to consult her upon some little matter, 
“you must spare me a man for a few days this 
week ; my old gardener, Protestant Byrne, is sick, 


128 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE, 


and I cannot let my spring work wait till he re- 
covers.” 

“Why, wife!” said the farmer, in mock amaze, 
“ you surely hav’n’t the conscience to take a man 
from me this busy week ?” 

“Indeed, husband, mine, I have so,” was the 
playful reply. “ It’s a busy week with me, too ; 
and my land’s of as much consequence as yours, 
sir.” 

“ 0, well, ma’am,” was the response which fol- 
lowed a gay laugh, “ if your land’s of so much con- 
sequence, of course you must have hands to work 
it ; so, when the men come home to dinner, just 
pick out a couple of smart lads, and I hope Protest- 
ant Byrne will never take sick again.” 

“ That’s like yourself!” exclaimed the lady, clap- 
ping her dimpled hands ; “ and you shall have fruits 
and vegetables all the year, as good as goes to the 
king’s table.” 

“ Good morning, Norah,” and she turned towards 
a neat, modest little girl who had just entered the 
garden ; “ how is your mother?” she inquired, bend- 
ing a kindly smile upon the child. 

“ She’s finely, ma’am, thank you,” was the soft 
reply ; and then after a hesitating pause the little 
voice resumed : 

“ My mother sent me to tell you, ma’am, that she 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


129 


was very much obliged to you for the nice piece of 
mutton you sent her on Saturday.” 

“Well, well!” was the hasty rejoinder, “she 
needn’t have sent you just to tell me that ; it would 
be queer if, with the full and plenty the Lord has 
kindly given me, I couldn’t spare a little present 
now and then to a decent Protestant neighbor, 
especially a widow. But how does your garden 
come on, Norah ?” 

“ 0, nicely, ma’am,” answered the child, with 
animation ; “ the primroses and violets are all in 
bloom, and the polyanthuses are lovely. You saw 
the snow-drops, ma’am, when they were out.” 

“Yes, Norah, your snow-drops were as good as 
mine ; but that’s a nice bit of soil, and if you take 
care of it, you may have a very tasty little garden. 
I’ll tell Denis to run round sometimes and show 
you ; and when I’m trimming my flower-beds, he 
can take you a little of anything you’d like to have.” 

“ O, thank you, ma’am, thank you !” was the de- 
lighted reply ; “ my mother says I’d never have a 
garden if it wasn’t for you.” 

“ 0, yes you would,” said the lady encouragingly ; 
“ God made flowers for every one, and whoever 
loves them will manage to get them.” 

Here Mr. Cunningham approached, and addressed 

the child with his usual good nature : 

6 * 


130 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“Well, Norah, were you at church, yesterday?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ And what was the text, honey ?” 

“You see, Norah,” said Mrs, Cunningham, laugh- 
ing, “ the master is so determined not to forget the 
text that he asks every child he meets to repeat 
it.” 

“Yes, indeed,” said the farmer, smiling, “ I like 
to hear children repeat the text. Do you remem- 
ber it, honey?” 

“Yes, sir — Matthew, eleventh chapter and twen-^ 
ty-ninth verse : ‘ Learn of me.’ ” 

“ Good girl ! Now can you tell me anything Mr. 
Bowyer said ?” 

The child thought a moment, and then timidly 
replied : 

“ He said, sir, how very kind it was of Christ to 
humble himself to teach us, and how very glad we 
ought to be to receive his instructions.” 

“Good again!” exclaimed the farmer, with 
pleased approbation ; “ why, it’s worth while, 

preaching to you, Norah. I wish every little girl 
and boy would pay so much attention to what the 
minister says; and O, what a delightful subject of 
contemplation, that ‘ the high and lofty One that 
inhabiteth eternity’ condescends to teach us, poor 
worms of the earth. There’s Denis thinks it’s very 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


131 


good of Lord William to come regularly to the Sun- 
day-school to teach a class of poor boys ; but 
here’s a greater than Lord William — ‘ a greater than 
Solomon’ — the King of kings, and Lord of lords — 
offers to impart his knowledge, and wisdom, and 
holiness to all who will come to him. The ignorant 
are, therefore, without excuse — the willfully and 
perversely ignorant, and those who will not now 
drink of the fountain of life that is within their 
reach, are in sad danger of having to cry in vain for 
a drop of water to cool their parched tongues, 
through all the countless ages of eternity.” Here 
the good man became so absorbed with the solemn 
subject, that, forgetful of those around him, he 
closed his hands behind his back with an abstracted 
air, and walked slowly away. 

Norah now took her leave, and proceeded on her 
way to school, whither she was bound ; and after she 
had left, Mrs. Cunningham observed to Denis that 
she did not mind how much of his spare time he 
spent at the Widow Carroll’s, for he would be sure 
to learn nothing objectionable there. She also told 
him that she would be glad if he would occasionally 
spend an hour with Protestant Byrne, and read a 
chapter in the Bible for him, as the old man’s eyes 
were becoming dim ; “ and this evening,” continued 
the good matron, “ if you’ll come to me after sup- 


182 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


per, I’ll give you a few little things to take over 
there ; and tell him to make haste and get well, for 
I 'miss him greatly in the garden.” 

When dinner-hour arrived, Mrs. Cunningham did 
not forget the permission she had received from her 
husband to supply the place of her sick gardener ; 
and when the kitchen company had assembled to 
that meal, she hastened to make her selection. 
“ Come, boys, I want recruits,” she exclaimed, in 
her usual cheerful tone ; “ who’ll enlist in my 
service ?” 

“ Bedad, we’ll all ’list wud you, misthress,” was 
the reply of one of the elder men, to which the 
others heartily assented. 

“ Good !” said the lady, with a merry smile ; “ but 
what would the poor master do if I were to take 
you all from him ?” 

“Thrue for you, ma’am,” responded the man; 
“ it’d be a shame to desart our ould colors that a 
way.” 

“Indeed it would,” was the playful rejoinder, 
“ especially in the heat of the battle ; well, I think 
I’ll leave the master all his old hands, and take a 
couple of the young saps, that won’t be much 
loss to him.” 

After a few more cheerful remarks, interspersed 
with charges to Stacey and Molly, respecting the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


133 


comfort of the field- workers, she appointed Tim 
Flanagan and Pat Murphy to the garden, and left 
the kitchen, followed by the warm prayers that her 
kindness, good humor, and affability so constantly 
elicited. 

The sun was just setting as Denis entered the 
cabin of Protestant Byrne, with a small basket on 
his arm. 

“ Good evening, neighbors,” said the boy, depos- 
iting his burden on a white deal table that stood 
at the window. 

“Good evenin’, alanna, and welkim,” was the 
ready response. 

“How do you feel, Mr. Byrne?” he kindly in- 
quired, approaching the old man, who sat in a large 
wicker-chair by the fire. 

“Betther, darlint, thank you, but very wake,” 
was the tremulous reply. 

“The mistress bid me tell you, sir,” resumed 
Denis, with one of his winning smiles, “to make 
haste and get well ; for she misses you very much in 
the garden.” 

“It won’t be her fault if he doesn’t soon get 
well,” exclaimed Mrs. Byrne, who had been glanc- 
ing over the contents of the basket ; “ Lord love 
her considherate heart,” she continued, “ but it’s 
herself that knows how to coax a donny appetite. 


134 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


That she may never have sickness in her own family, 
I pray Grod.” 

“Amen!” fervently responded her husband; 
“‘Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the 
Lord shall deliver him in time of trouble.’ Is that 
right, darlint?” he inquired, looking fondly in the 
boy’s face ; “ your memory’s betther nor mine.” 

“ Yes, sir ; and my sight’s better than yours ; so 
the mistress said maybe you’d like me to read some 
to you.” 

“ See how she thinks of everything,” again chimed 
in the old woman ; “ indeed an’ he would like you 
to read to him, jewel ; and so would I, for my own 
eyes are gettin’ as wake as his ; but the masther 
says he’ll get me a pair of glasses the next time he 
goes to Dublin ; sure, he was in here this mornin’ 
to see him, as soon as he heered he was sick, an’ 
talked to him, an’ prayed wud him. 0, dear I I wish 
every farmer in the counthry was like him.” 

Denis now opened the old worn Bible that he had 
taken down from the shelf, but Mrs. Byrne again 
interposed. 

“ Stay, Dinny, honey, until he sups this nice bowl 
of gruel — it’s pipin’ hot, and I know the misthress 
made it wud her own purty hands. See, dear,” 
she continued, approaching her husband lovingly; 
“thry an’ take it all; it’ll put sthrenth in you. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


136 


There’s rale port wine in it, an’ the best loaf sugar 
an’ nutmeg ; it smells beautiful — doesn’t it, Dinny 
and the loquacious dame accompanied every spoon- 
ful that she presented to her feeble partner with such 
high commendations, that she prevailed on him to 
swallow a large portion of the aliment. 

“ There now, Peggy, take a little of it yourself, 
acushla, while it’s warm and the old man gently 
put back his wife’s hand. 

“ No, indeed, I don’t want it,” was the prompt 
reply; “ but, if you won’t take any more. I’ll fetch 
it in to Kitty Mulligan ; she’ll be glad to get it for 
her child’s supper. The poor little crather’s gettin’ 
his teeth, an’ he can’t ate the common run ; but this 
’ill nourish his little heart, an’ the wine that’s in it 
’ill make him sleep all night.” 

“ God bless you, Peggy,” murmured the gardener, 
looking fondly after his old partner, as she left the 
cabin on her gentle errand; “you were always 
ready to think of them that was worse off nor your- 
self.” 

She soon returned, when she hastened to set a 
rush-light before Denis, and, resuming her knitting, 
seated herself beside her husband in an attitude of 
attention ; while the Foundling, inquiring of the old 
man what he should like him to read, again opened 
the sacred volume. Clear and sweet came the words 


136 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


of life from those juvenile lips ; and the dim eyes of 
his aged auditors seemed to brighten with increased 
intelligence, as they listened to the noble truths so 
plainly revealed to them. Nor was this the only 
occasion upon which the humble orphan acted the 
part of a benefactor to his veteran friend ; for, until 
the gardener’s health was quite restored, he was fre- 
quently the happy bearer of his mistress’s benevo- 
lent messages ; and always making his visits more 
welcome by reading to the aged couple a portion 
of the book they loved. 

Another source of much pleasure to our young 
hero was now derived from his visits to the Widow 
Carroll’s. Her little garden afforded him the means 
of exhibiting the botanical knowledge he acquired 
under Mrs. Cunningham’s instructions; and, as the 
summer advanced, and the evenings lengthened, he 
might often be seen hastening towards her neat 
cabin to perform some little act that Norah was not 
skilled in, or to convey some spare treasure from the 
superabundance of his mistress’s flower-beds. 

With the widow, Denis was always a welcome 
guest ; for though but a poor woman, supporting 
herself and child by her own hard industry, yet 
Mary Carroll had good sense and intelligence ; and, 
seeing the superiority of mind and manner that the 
Foundling possessed above the surrounding children. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


137 


she knew that nothing but advantage could accrue 
to Norah from such an association ; and, disregard- 
ing the ignominy that attached to his origin, she 
received him upon his own merits, and heartily 
encouraged his intimacy with her garden and her 
little girl. 

In the meantime, the Protestant boy did not for- 
get his duty to his work-mates ; and no opportunity 
was allowed to pass neglected, in which he could 
impress them favorably with the importance of 
knowledge, and especially that knowledge which 
maketh wise unto salvation. Nor were his humble 
efforts entirely without avail — the example of his 
blameless life, alone, had a restraining influence on 
the careless habits of his wayward comrades, while 
the simple purity of his conversation affected, in no 
small degree, their untaught minds. They loved 
him for his good temper, and general amiability, at 
the same time observing in him a moral dignity that 
elevated him, in their esteem, far above his natural 
position. Did any work need particular care in its 
execution, Denis was sought to perform it. Had any- 
thing gone wrong, Denis was applied to to set it right. 
Was the truth required upon any subject, to Denis 
an appeal was made for decision. 

Yet was not the orphan boy’s religion unassailed. 
The effbrts that Larry Murphy had made to banish 


138 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


the subject had failed in their effects ; and a spirit 
of curiosity, if not of anxious inquiry, was evi- 
dently on foot amongst the boys, as to the evils of 
that heresy that was so beautifully represented by 
their fellow-servant. By some of the elder work- 
men this was soon observed, who, firm in their 
allegiance to Mother Church, and dreading that the 
young minds around them might become tainted, 
earnestly set themselves to cast contempt upon that 
creed which must be bad, because opposed to their 
own. But they found that no good could result to 
their cause by antagonism with a lad who had read 
as much as Denis, and they at length gave it up, 
good-humoredly declaring, that they “must get 
somebody that had lamin’ to talk to him ; for, though 
they knew they were right, they couldn’t keep up 
wud him at all, at all.” 

But Popery was not without its champion, even 
in quiet and secluded Friarsford ; and one, who was 
every way worthy to compete with Denis, was soon 
found in the person of Hugh Gallagher, the son of 
the Catholic schoolmaster. To him the idea of a 
religious controversy — even with an opponent as 
inferior to himself, in point of scholarship, as our 
hero — was a matter of some importance ; and he 
watched for an opportunity to enter upon the con- 
test with an eagerness in which bigotry and Intel- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


139 


lectual pride were far more conspicuous than the 
simple love of truth. To display his theological 
knowledge, and give a tangible proof of his attach- 
ment to Mother Church, was no less desirable than 
to triumph over heresy, in the person of the young 
Scripture advocate ; and it was not without an am- 
bition to establish his own reputation for zeal and 
learning, that the son of the pedagogue prepared to 
measure strength with the Foundling. 

That a trial of this nature was intended for him, 
Denis received no intimation, or he would have has- 
tened to decline his part in it. To make his creed 
a subject of disputation did not exactly agree with 
his notions of Grospel piety ; and though he was 
always ready to recommend, and maintain, and up- 
hold, his honored Bible, in every case, and under all 
circumstances, yet, to contend for any particular set 
of tenets, or to insist upon the adoption of one form 
of doctrine, to the uprooting of all others, was an 
exclusive sort of religion which he had not been 
taught, and which his widely-charitable mind could 
never endorse. 

All the controversial arguments with which Hugh 
Gallagher was girding himself were, therefore, use- 
less to encounter one who carried no equipment 
but the Bible in his hand, and the love of God in his 
heart. Upon the very first occasion, in which the 


140 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


young pedant found an opening to attack the Pro- 
testant boy, he discovered this. The only weapon 
used against him was the “ Sword of the Spirit 
and it alone was sufficient to cut through the proud 
armor of traditionary lore in which he had enve- 
loped himself. 

Here was a dilemma ! Had Denis been willing to 
argue, his rival would have gladly met him, and a 
long and bitter juvenile discussion would have en- 
sued, at the end of which, he who possessed the 
highest amount of tact, acuteness, and logical power 
would have come off victor. But the young Scrip- 
turian was not to be so entrapped. With a plain 
education, he had plenty of plain sense ; and, know- 
ing that the Rock he stood upon was firm to sustain 
him, he was satisfied to rest there, without the am- 
bition to seek for fame or triumph by plunging into 
the mazy labyrinth of controversy. 

Hugh was disappointed. His erudition was of no 
avail to him ; nor were the strong evidences with 
which he had diligently stored his memory any more 
effective. It was in vain he produced high authori- 
ties and ancient usages — a simple text from the 
Book of books overturned them all ; and, with no 
better success, he quoted “the Fathers,” for their 
Mighty Master’s own words were adduced in refuta- 
tion. Yet he would not appear baffled , and as from 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


141 


the difference of their respective, positions, he had 
few opportunities of meeting his rival except when 
he sought him, excuses were often framed, under 
cover of which he wandered towards the farm when 
the day’s business was over, though not always 
with a certainty of seeing Denis, who now spent 
many of his evenings at the Widow Carroll’s, quite 
unconscious that he was an object of so much inter- 
est to the adherents of the opposite faith. 

As the summer advanced and the days lengthened, 
the boys spent less and less of their time in the 
kitchen, generally leaving immediately after supper 
— some to take part in a dance, and others in card- 
playing, or some similar amusement, which they 
deemed innocent, but which Mr. Cunningham never 
suffered to be practiced on his premises. Often was 
Denis laughingly importuned to accompany them 
to a merry-making, though it was well known that 
he preferred a quiet hour with his beloved books to 
all their boisterous pleasures. Yet did he seldom 
find himself quite alone, for a few there were who 
still sought instruction from his lips ; and, when he 
took his favorite seat on the sloping bank of a marl- 
pit, in a field at the rear of his master’s house, he 
was rarely without one or two slight forms reclining 
on the flowery turf beside him, until the falling dew 
warned them to seek the shelter of the house. 


142 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ Good evening, boys,” said Hugh, upon one of 
these occasions, as he approached where Denis was 
seated, book in hand, reading aloud to Pat Murphy 
and Tim Flanagan, who were lounging, one on either 
side of him, evidently highly entertained. 

“ Good evening, kindly,” responded Denis, look- 
ing up with a smile ; “ glad to see you, Hugh.” 

“Dhraw over a chair an’ be sated, Misther Gal- 
lagher,” said Tim. 

“ If you had any politeness, you’d jump up and 
hand me one,” was the smart reply, as the lad threw 
himself down on the soft grass ; “ but don’t let me 
interrupt the reading,” he said, glancing at the 
book, now partly closed, in Denis’s hand. “ These 
fellows will soon know as much as yourself, Denis,” 
he continued, “if you keep reading so much for 
them. No wonder for the neighbors to say that 
Mr. Cunningham’s hands are all scholars.” 

“ It must be because we have such lamed visit- 
ors,” slyly observed Pat. 

“ Not at all, Pat,” said Hugh, laughing, “ I think 
the compliment’s deserved by yourselves. Were 
you at the card-party on Sunday night, Pat?” he 
inquired after a pause. 

“No, indeed,” replied Pat, “nor any qJT our boys 
aither.” 

“ What card-party ?” asked Denis. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


143 


“ Why, a number of fellows that assembled at 
Mike Walsh’s, with a pack of cards and a bottle of 
whisky, intending to have a jolly night ; but, some- 
how, the priest got a hint of it, and, riding over 
there, suddenly came upon them in the middle of 
their sport. There was a fine fuss among them all in 
a minjute, trying to scramble up the cards ; but his 
reverence saw it all, and laid about him with his 
horse- whip, until they were pretty glad to make 
their escape. But Father Murphy’s not done with 
it — he’s determined to put it down. He says he’ll 
have no Sunday gambling while he’s in the parish. 
He’s going to speak of it from the altar next Sun- 
day.” 

“ Won’t do,” murmured Denis, gravely shaking 
his head. 

“And what would do, then?” inquired Hugh, with 
a quick glance at the Foundling. 

“Why, give the people the Bible,” answered 
Denis, looking up, and speaking with energy. 

“I thought so,” responded Hugh, with a smile. 
“But, Denis, do you suppose your Bible-reading 
folks never do those things?” 

“ No, Hugh, never , replied Denis, firmly ; “ the 
man that reads his Bible, and loves it, is not a 
Sabbath-breaker. A man may be a Protestant, and 
go to church and all that, and yet disregard the 


144 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Lord’s day ; but such a man is certainly not a Bible- 
reader. 

“ The same rule applies to nations. Look at those 
countries whose rulers uphold the Bible, and see 
what strict laws they frame respecting the observ- 
ance of the Sabbath. Now, England I neither love 
nor admire, because of her unsisterly treatment of 
my native land; but I must be just, even to my 
enemy. Britain honors the Word of God, and, in 
every part of the earth over which her sceptre has 
sway*, she commands that all outward reverence be 
paid to His holy day. 

‘‘ In America, too, we see a country whose gov- 
ernment maintains the Bible ; and in what part of 
the world is the seventh day more scrupulously set 
apart? I know a good deal about America, because, 
you know, the master has a sister who has lived 
there for years, and her sons often send home news- 
papers, which I have the privilege of reading. 

“And now, Hugh, let us take a glance at those 
nations where the inspired volume is forbidden or 
unknown. Come with me to the continent, and let 
us take a stroll through the sunny regions of southern 
Europe, and see how the day, which the Lord hal- 
lowed and blest, is disposed of there. I need not 
trouble you with a description ; you have read as 
much, or more, on the subject than I have, and your 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


146 


own eloquent tongue could expatiate freely upon it, 
if you would. But I say, in conclusion, as I said at 
the beginning, give the people the Bible, and 
the priest may lay aside his horse-whip, and discon- 
tinue his altar maledictions.” 

“ But, Denis,” said Hugh, “ it’s a mistake that 
we’re forbidden to read the Bible — we have the free 
use of the Douay version.” 

Denis smiled, and bent his head. 

“Yes,” he replied, “you all say so, and Bishop 
Doyle said so when questioned on the subject in 
Parliament. But, if the priests want the people to 
read the Bible, why don’t they see that they possess 
copies of it ? Why don’t they introduce it in their 
schools, teach it in their Sabbath-schools, expound 
it from their pulpits, and inculcate, in the minds of 
all committed to their charge, veneration for its 
inspired pages, and firm faith in its holy and 
important truths ?” 

The boy had arisen as he spoke, for the advancing 
twilight gave notice that his mossy couch was no 
longer safe to recline on ; but the reply that Hugh 
was about to make was prevented by the approach 
of Stacey, who was hastening toward them with a 
book in her hand, and an expression of angry excite- 
ment on her face. 

“ Where’s Denis?” she exclaimed. 

7 


146 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ Here, Stacey,” and he quickly stepped forward 
to meet her. 

“ What a purty book you gave me to read,” and 
her voice was louder and harsher than the Foundling 
had ever heard it before, “ an’ to tell me it was 
sanctioned by the priests, an’ I to be the fool to 
believe you.” 

“But, Stacey — ” 

“ Hould yer tongue — I wouldn’t listen to a word 
you’d say. The Douay Bible, indeed. If that be 
the Bible, no wondher for none but heretics to love 
it. Look here, Hugh Gallagher, at what it says 
about the pure an’ immaculate Virgin and she 
opened the book where she had been reading, having 
kept her finger within it. 

Hugh took the book and read, as she indicated, 
the last verse of the first chapter of Matthew’s Gos- 
pel. 

“Now, do you mind that?” indignantly exclaimed 
the girl ; “ ‘ her firstborn so?^,’ as much as to say that 
the blessed mother of our Lord had more sons nor 
the one. Sure such a wicked an’ blasphemous book 
there’s not in the world!” and, snatching it from 
the hands of Hugh, she flung it as far as she could 
into the marl-pit. 

“ There,” she said, scornfully, “ let it go to the 
mischief. I wouldn’t sin my sowl by readin’ another 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


147 


of its infamous lies to save my neck from the gallas, 
if the merciful Saviour and his Virgin Mother will 
forgive me for what I did read.” Here she penitent- 
ly crossed herself, and turning, retraced her steps to 
the house. 

“Well, what would Bishop Doyle say to that?” 
inquired Denis, as he returned with the insulted 
volume in his hand, which he had flown to seek the 
moment the angry maiden had turned her back/ 

“ Now, Hugh,” he urged, as they slowly proceeded 
homeward, “ don’t you see the fallacy of asserting 
that your Church allows her children ‘ the free use 
of the Douay Bible,’ when they are no better ac- 
quainted with its holy and awful character than 
to speak of it and treat it as you have just wit- 
nessed ?” 

“ I don’t see,” said Hugh, “ that the folly or 
stupidity of an ignorant country girl is any proof 
that the Church disallows the Bible.” 

“ But,” asked Denis, “is it not an argument, that 
the pastors of the Church do not impress upon the 
minds of the people a belief in its divine origin, 
and a solemn respect for its revealed truths ? That 
girl, whom you term ignorant, seems to be very 
well instructed upon the immaculacy of the Virgin, 
and, I dare say, if questioned upon any of your 
points of faith, she would not be found deficient ; 


148 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


and yet, she does not know that this book is really 
the Word of God, written by his finger, and inspired 
by his Spirit. She had scarcely heard of the Bible 
before she came here, and had certainly never seen 
one : lately she seemed to have a curiosity to know 
something about it, and, upon my mentioning the 
Douay version, and telling her that it was published 
with the full approbation of the priests, she said 
she* wished she could see it. I told the mistress, 
and the next time the master went to Dublin he 
brought this one home, and desired me to give it to 
her. She was very glad to get it, and seemed much 
pleased with it, until she stumbled upon that pas- 
sage about Mary’s ‘ firstborn son.’ ” 

“ You don’t believe in the immaculacy of the 
Blessed Virgin,” insinuated Hugh, ‘‘ nor in her in- 
tercession.” 

“ I don’t know anything about her immaculacy,” 
said Denis coolly, “ nor do I see that the subject is 
of the least importance. As to her intercession, I 
don’t require it — my Saviour intercedes for me. It 
is written, ‘He ever liveth to make intercession for 
us ;’ and again, ‘ There is one Mediator between God 
and man, the man Christ Jesus.’ ” 

“ That’s true,” said Hugh, “ but if you were to 
read the Fathers you would soon see — ” 

“ 0, yes,” interrupted Denis, “it is just as I said 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


149 


of poor Stacey; you are all tauglit to honor the 
Fathers, and carefully grounded in the dogmas of 
the Church ; while you are encouraged to regard 
tlie Word of Truth with indifference, or merely as a 
book that ‘ heretics love,’ but which good Catholics 
do not need. At the same time, it is gravely stated 
that ‘ the Bible is not prohibited.* ” 

“Well, we must adjourn the meeting,” exclaimed 
Hugh, as they reached the gate that admitted them 
into the farm-yard ; “ but we have not finished the 
subject yet, Denis — the next time we meet we must 
have more of it and then, with a cheerful “good- 
night,” which was responded to with a hearty “ safe 
home,” he hastened down the avenue, and soon was 
out of sight. 

This was not the first conversation of the kind, 
to which the boys, Pat and Tim, had been perfectly 
silent listeners ; and the effect produced upon their 
minds was very different from what Hugh intended 
it should be, when he meditated an easy overthrow 
of the Protestant boy’s religion. 

With no very felicitous feelings, the young aspi- 
rant after controversial fame reached his home that 
evening. He felt puzzled. His discussions with 
the Foundling were not taking the course he had 
chalked out for them ; for, instead of fluently ex- 
patiating upon those subjects with which he was 


150 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


SO familiar, until, by the force of his proofs and the 
strength of his arguments, the Protestant boy and 
his influence should be defeated and overthrown — 
he found himself led from his track into one that 
was strange to him, and left subdued and silent, 
while the young heretic waxed eloquent upon the 
only theme of which he was master. Not but that 
Hugh had made several attempts to provoke dis- 
putation, and, to this end, had, at different times, 
introduced the well-contested points of transub- 
stantiation, penance, purgatory, etc. ; and this even- 
ing — taking advantage of the opportunity afforded — 
had adroitly plied a query respecting the immacu- 
lacy and intercession of the Virgin Mary. But these 
ponderous barriers, that had for ages not only sepa- 
rated the two Churches, but kept hatred and evil 
thinking growing up between them, were lightly 
stepped over by our hero, who, whatever the sub- 
ject of consideration — avoiding argument — ^merely 
stated his own view of it as taken from the holy 
Scriptures, which he zealously and uncompromis- 
ingly declared to be the only true authority on all 
points of faith and action — ^his sole cause of quarrel 
with the Church of his countrymen being, her de- 
nying them the privilege of being guided by their 
divine light. 

“He will talk of nothing but the Bible,” said 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


151 


Hugh testily, as he conversed with his father on 
the subject next his heart, “ and there I am d^- 
cienu I have a great ,mind to get a copy of the 
Douay, and read it through, just to find all the 
passages that confirm our doctrines, and condemn 
his : it would be a grand triumph to beat him with 
his own weapons.” 

“ It would so,” responded the schoolmaster, with 
an approving nod at his intelligent son, “ and you 
can easily do it,” he continued. “ Isn’t the Church 
founded and grounded upon the Bible? Where else 
did she get her beautiful faith, and from what other 
source did her ancient fathers derive instruction? 
Where is the life of our blessed Saviour written, and 
that of his spotless mother? And where is the in- 
stitution of the first Church recorded, against which 
‘ the gates of hell shall not prevail ?’ ” 

Here the pedagogue, who was just going off into 
a long harangue upon the subject, was interrupted 
by his son’s abruptly inquiring if he had ever read 
the Bible. 

“ Yes — no — why to be sure I have — some of it — 
haven’t I read everything ?” 

“ Well, father, what does it say upon the subject 
of praying to the Virgin ?” 

“ Upon praying to the Virgin ? — well, I can’t ex- 
actly say-^but, of course, it commands us to do so, 


152 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


or the Church wouldn’t insist upon it. Obedience 
is all that is required of us ; and, if we are true 
Catholics, we will unhesitatingly believe whatever 
our spiritual directors teach, and conscientiously 
put into practice the precepts that we receive from 
those who are so much wiser and better than our- 
selves.” 

“ Well, I know all that, sir,” said Hugh, again 
cutting short his father’s eloquence ; “ but I must 
find exactly what’s said upon it, and upon all the 
other subjects on which we differ ; for Denis is so 
devoted to the Bible, that nothing but the plain 
Scripture text can ever convince him — have tried 
every other.” 

With Hugh Gallagher, to resolve was to act, and 
a few days saw him in possession of the book in 
which he had certain hopes of finding abundance of 
inspired authority for all he had advanced in favor 
of “Mother Church;” and with pleasure he sat 
down to the study of its hitherto unexplored con- 
tents — having first concluded to hold no more con- 
versations with Denis upon religious subjects until 
his new weapons should be fully prepared. 


CHAPTER VII. 


Rejoice, 0 young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee 
in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and 
in the sight of thine eyes ; but know thou, that for all these things 
Grod will bring thee into judgment. — Ecdes. 11:9. 

’Twas evening, and the sun, as he moved to- 
ward his western home, was sending his last beams 
through the closed lattice of a small room ; within 
which, upon a clean but low and uncanopied couch, 
a pale and apparently suffering youth was extended. 
The furniture of the chamber was humble and old- 
fashioned ; yet the air of neatness and comfort that 
pervaded it, with even an attempt at decoration, 
made it evident that woman’s hand had been there. 
By the side of the bed was stretched a piece of old 
carpet, that had once covered the floor of a prouder 
apartment; and the sameness of the whitewashed 
walls was relieved by gaily colored pictures, 
amongst which the Virgin and Child, dressed in 

scarlet and gold, and some of the early saints and 
7* 


154 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


saintesses in equally fine array, appeared conspicu- 
ous ; while the lack of a mantel-piece had been 
supplied by a narrow shelf, on which was ranged a 
gaudy row of birds and flowers. But, nor pictures 
nor ornaments appeared to occupy the sick boy’s 
attention. His languid gaze was directed towards 
the window, through which the green hills, topped 
with the golden sky, were discernable ; and, from 
the thoughtful expression of his handsome counte- 
nance, he was evidently engaged in higher com- 
niunings than the trifles around him could sug- 
gest. 

The monotony was at length broken by the door 
gently opening, and what was intended to be a soft 
and noiseless step approached. 

Well, Pat, my poor fellow !” said the visitor, as 
the glance of the invalid turned towards him, “ how 
do you feel now?” 

“ I think I’m a little aisier, sir, thank you,” was 
the low reply. 

“But is there anything you’d like? have you 
everything you want?” and the benevolent eye of 
the questioner rested on a bowl of clear, cool whey, 
that stood on a chair within the sick boy’s reach. 

“ O, I’ve everything in the world, sir, that I could 
think of,” was the grateful response ; “ sure Stacey 
and Molly’s doin’ nothin’ but attendin’ me, and the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


155 


misthress herself, God bless her, is here every little 
while to see me.” 

‘‘ That’s right,” said Mr. Cunningham, for it was 
he who stood over the sick bed of his young serv- 
ant ; ‘‘ and now, Pat, honey, don’t be loth to speak 
of anything you’d like, no matter what it is ; if you’d 
like to see the priest, you know you’ve only to men- 
tion it.” 

“Oh! sure, masther, you’re full up o’ goodness,” 
said the youth, with emotion, “ an’ it’s myself that’s 
sorry to be lyin’ here givin’ throuble, instead o’ 
bein’ out helpin’ wud the harvest.” 

“Do you think we miss you so much?” in- 
quired the farmer, playfully ; “ are you so proud 
as to fancy we can’t do without you? But don’t 
be uneasy ; lie still and take care of yourself, and 
we’ll manage to get up the harvest, though you are 
in bed.” And then, resuming his seriousness, he 
again urged the boy to be sure and mention any- 
thing he wanted or wished for ; and, with an earnest 
prayer for his speedy recovery, and that his affliction 
might be blest to his profit, the good man left the 
room, followed by the tearful eyes of the youth, 
whose warm and plastic heart his fatherly kindness 
had deeply penetrated. 

The last time we saw Pat Murphy he was in com- 
pany with Denis Martin on the flowery banks of the 


166 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


marl-pit. But that privilege was to be enjoyed no 
more. Stacey, whose disapprobation of the Bible 
had been so energetically expressed, protested loudly 
against the propriety of the young boy’s hearing it 
read ; and Larry, who had so long endeavored to 
keep his brother separate from the Protestant boy, 
warmly seconded all she said on the subject, and 
secretly resolved to be more watchful than ever in 
saving his family from the taint of heresy. Accord- 
ingly, when, a few evenings after, Pat was repairing 
to his favorite tryst, he was called back by Larry, 
who reminded him that there was to be a dance in 
the neighborhood that night, which they were both 
expected to attend. 

“ But Pm tired,” pleaded Pat, with a shrug of 
his shoulders, “an’ dancin’ won’t rest me.” 

“ G’long wud yer cried Larry, mockingly; 

“ sure you can come an’ see the girls, then — you 
know Betty Flannagan’ll do no good if yer not 
there. What on airth makes you so lazy ? sure you 
ought to be ashamed o’ yourself, a good-lookin’ chap 
like you that’s fit to be seen at any gatherin’ in the 
counthry. Come on, I say.” And so, between 
coaxing and bullying, the strong-minded youth suc- 
ceeded in making his yielding brother don his Sun- 
day clothes, and accompany him to the village. 

The two lads were hailed with lively welcome, as 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


157 


they entered the cabin where the dance was about 
to take place. Several bright and merry maidens 
smiled on the handsome brothers, and Mike Dunn, 
the fiddler, who was resining his bow, and bandy- 
ing jokes with the girls, declared it was now time 
to begin the sport, as the best of the company had 
arrived. Accordingly, Larry Murphy, who had se- 
cured the prettiest lass as his partner, sprung upon 
the floor, calling for “ Garry Owen.” Immediately 
the merry tune struck up, the happy couples took 
their places, and a scene of glad hilarity ensued, 
which the mercurial temperament of the Hibernian 
peasant is well calculated to sustain. Hour after 
hour passed away without any abatement of the 
mirth. As soon as one set of dancers was tired, 
another was ready to stand up, and these in their 
turn were replaced by fresh couples ; while those 
who were resting chatted, laughed, and flirted, so 
that fun, humor, and wit flowed and sparkled on 
every side. 

Pat Murphy, who, if left to himself, would have 
spent the evening in a far different manner, when 
once under the exciting influence of music and mirth, 
soon entered into the full spirit of the scene, and 
with the soft hand of Betty Flanagan in his, and the 
gay, wild strains of his native melodies ringing 
through his head, no wonder that, for the time being. 


158 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


he forgot that such a book as the Bible and such a 
boy as Denis Martin were in existence. 

The small hours of the morning were treading 
their silent course, when the lively party began to 
break up, and then it was discovered, with concern, 
that a brisk and heavy rain was falling. Even to 
those whose homes were near at hand, the sudden 
change of weather was not agreeable, dressed as 
they were in their best attire; but to those who 
lived at a distance, and had long miles of muddy 
roads to drag their Sunday pumps through, w-hile 
the watery element unsparingly lashed their neatly- 
decked persons, the treacherous storm was a source 
of vexation that it required all their native cheerful- 
ness to bear them up against. 

Amongst the latter, were the two lads Larry and 
Pat Murphy. Heated and exhilarated with exercise 
and pleasure — whose effects were not in the least 
counteracted by libations of whisky-punch, which 
had been freely circulated during the night — they at 
first made light of the rain, lavishing all their sym- 
pathy upon their fair partners ; and it was not until 
they had gallanted them to their doors, that they 
turned to wade their own way to Mr. Cunning- 
ham’s, which was a distance of two full miles from 
the village. 

There was a path across the fields, by which they 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


159 


might have reached home much sooner ; but they 
knew that the ditches, which they would have to 
climb, had become so soft and slippery by the rain, 
that, in the end, it would be easier to go round by 
the road. 

They were drenched through and through. Long 
before they reached home their spirits had ebbed 
away ; and, though Larry endeavored to keep up, 
perpetrating an occasional joke for the amusement 
of his brother, yet feeble was the effort, and no 
laugh responded to it. 

To Larry, whose constitution was as strong as 
iron, the night’s adventure brought no greater 
inconvenience than a slight cold, which very soon 
subsided; but upon Pat the effect was otherwise. 
Naturally less hardy than his brother, and, from his 
domestic habit of mind, less inured to the casualties 
that a life of pleasure involves, the sudden transition, 
from a crowded and overheated cabin to the unshel- 
tered highway and pitiless storm, brought on a vio- 
lent attack of pleurisy, under which we now find 
him suffering. 

When first his sickness became apparent, his mas- 
ter thought he had merely taken a cold, for which a 
little care and attention would be sufficient remedy. 
He was, therefore, advised to remain in bed, and 
Stacey requested to minister to his wants; but 


160 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


when, in the course of the day, Mrs. Cunningham 
herself visited the boy, she found him feverish and 
restless, complaining of sharp pain, and betraying 
all the symptoms of serious indisposition. Imme- 
diately the good lady’s sympathies were all enlisted 
in his behalf. He must be nursed and tended under 
her own eyes, and every effort made to diminish his 
sufferings and retard the progress of his disease. To 
this end, he must be removed from the lodge — which 
was the common sleeping apartment of all the work- 
men who lived on the premises — and carried to the 
house, where, besides being more quiet and com- 
fortable, he would be near at hand to receive the 
joint care of all the females in the establishment. 
Accordingly a small chamber over the kitchen — and 
adjoining that of Stacey and Molly — was prepared 
for his reception ; and there, with his eyes still fixed 
on the door through which his kind master had just 
disappeared, the victim of bigotry and mistaken zeal 
was lying on the third evening after that fatal 
dance. 

The old clock in the hall struck six, and the lad’s 
face brightened as he counted each stroke ; for he 
knew that the field-work was now at an end, and 
Denis would soon be home to read for him. 

’Twas not that his sick-bed was particularly 
lonely, that Pat so longed for the presence of the 




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BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


161 


Foundling; for the frequent visits of the children to 
his room, and the kind attentions of every member 
of the family, prevented the time from seeming 
dreary ; but there were germ-like wants and wishes 
struggling within his bosom, that were not ostensi- 
ble to common view, and whose nature he himself 
scarcely understood, with which Denis seemed to 
be acquainted; and the reading and conversation 
of the latter, with a tact which sympathy and ex- 
perience had supplied, were always exactly suited 
to his feelings and comprehension. It was, there- 
fore, with real pleasure that he now saw his young 
comrade enter. A few kind inquiries as to how he 
had passed the day, with a warmly expressed wish 
for his speedy recovery, and then the ever-welcome 
Bible was produced. 

The fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians was 
the portion of Scripture selected by Denis to read 
to his friend ; and no student, when listening to 
the development of an abstruse problem, ever gave 
more anxious heed to the words of the learned lec- 
turer, than Pat Murphy now exhibited, as, with 
eyes earnestly riveted upon Denis’s face, while his 
parted lips and upraised finger betokened fixed 
attention, he received the sublime doctrine of the 
resurrection, as expounded by “ Paul the Aged.” 
Denis read slowly, pausing occasionally, that the 


162 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


mind of the sick boy might have time to grasp each 
golden sentence ; or, sometimes, making a short 
remark illustrative of the grand theme. 

They had thus been occupied for some time, and 
both were deeply absorbed in the subject, when the 
door suddenly opened, and Larry entered. 

Did you wondher I wasn’t cornin’ to see you 
sooner?” he inquired in an apologetic tone, as he 
approached his brother, and, without waiting for an 
answer, continued — 

“ I had to go to the forge of a message for the 
masther, an’ only got back this minit. How do 
you find yourself this evenin’ ?” and he seated 
himself on the side of the bed, and laid his coarse 
hand kindly on that of his brother which rested on 
the quilt. 

“ I feel a little aisier,” was the low response ; 
“ but I don’t know whether I’m betther or not. 
May God prepare me for the worst.” 

“ Arrah whisht, Pat, honey !” was quickly re- 
joined ; “ don’t be talkin’ that away. The worst, 
indeed ! God an’ the Virgin between you an’ that. 
What makes you so low spereted ?” 

“ I’m not low spereted at all,” said Pat ; “ sure 
I’m only wishin’ to be prepared an’ ready for the 
will o’ God.” 

“ Yis, but I hope it’s the will o’ God for you to 


BALLYSHAN CASTBE. 


163 


get well soon, an’ you mustn’t think of anything 
else. 

“Why don’t you thry an’ rouse him, Dinny? 
An’ since you’re so good as to read for him, why 
don’t you borry a purty story-book from Masther 
James ? an’ thry to keep somethin’ cheerful an’ 
amusin’ fornint his mind.” 

“ That book has pur tier stories nor any book in 
the house,” interposed Pat, “ an’ all thrue, be- 
sides.” 

“0, to be sure,” said his brother; “but I thought 
something lively might cheer you up, maybe. I’m 
glad to see you’re betther any how,” he added, ris- 
ing. Then, turning to Denis, he reminded him that 
it was supper-time, drily observing that, if he wasn’t 
“too pious to ate,” he had “betther come down.” 


CHAPTER Till. 


He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days 
for ever and ever . — Psalm 21 : 4. 

Twilight was deepening over the surrounding 
landscape, and cheerful nature was at rest, when 
Larry Murphy, his hands in his pockets and his 
eyes bent on the ground, sauntered along a well- 
beaten path, which led across his master’s farm 
towards a row of cabins on the side of a neighbor- 
ing hill. Fields had been traversed, styles crossed, 
and gates passed through, yet the echoes had been 
unaroused by his usual merry whistle or witty song. 
For once in his life, Larry Murphy was engaged in 
deep thought, and that of no pleasant character 
either, from the cloud that darkened his handsome 
face, and the muttered exclamation that occasion- 
ally escaped his lips. 

As he passed through the gate, which opened 
upon the narrow mountain-road, he was met by a 
troop of rosy children, in all the enjoyment of 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


165 


barefooted content, who had been laughing, prat- 
tling, and dancing on the king’s highway for want 
of a more appropriate play-ground. 

“Out o’ my way !” was his ungracious repulse, 
as they came shouting round him. “ What’s the 
raison yer not all goin’ to bed?” he frowningly 
asked as he strode from amongst them, leaving the 
astonished children staring at each other, and whis- 
pering that Larry wasn’t funny at all, at all — he 
was in a dreadful bad humor — and what could be 
the matther wud him. 

“ Tell you what,” exclaimed a bright-eyed boy — 
who had been poising himself on one foot, while he 
sketched figures in the dust with the naked toe of 
the other — “ maybe Pat’s worse.” 

“ Maybe he’s dead,” suggested another, his face 
lengthening under the supposition. Awed and 
sobered, the children thought no more of play; 
but quietly retreated towards their humble homes. 

In the meantime the young man had reached the 
little row of cabins, one of which he entered. A 
pleasing-looking woman of middle age, with a fair 
skin and a quantity of wavy, brown hair, that would 
not be kept under the neat muslin cap that covered 
her head, was seated near the open door knitting. 

“ Where’s my father ?” inquired Larry, as he 
crossed the threshold. 


166 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ He’s not come home yit,” replied the woman. 

How did you lave Pat ?” 

“ Much the same : I don’t think he’s minded any 
since you saw him to-day. But, mother, why don’t 
you fetch him home ?” 

“ Fetch him home !” exclaimed the good woman, 
looking up with surprise into her son’s face, who 
had seated himself on the end of a table that stood 
by the window, and leaned his shoulder against the 
wall. What would I do that for she inquired ; 
“ isn’t he a great’l betther off where he is ?” 

“ No, mother, he isn’t betther off where he is,” 
was the emphatic answer, “ nor it won’t do to lave 
him there naither. That Foundlin’ boy’s doin’ 
all he can to turn him. He’s at his bedside every 
evenin’, readin’ heretic booh an’ talkin’ to him ; an’ 
Pat’s nothin’ loth: he tould me this evenin’ that 
he’d rather have the Bible nor any other book in 
the house, an’ I Icnow if he’s left there he’ll never 
die in the thrue Church.” 

“ The holy Virgin purtect my boy !” exclaimed 
the mother in pious horror; “ an’ I to be lavin’ him 
there for his own good — though I longed to have 
him at home wud myself— because I thought he 
was more comfortable there nor I could make him 
here in this poor cabin. Sure I little thought his 
sowl was in danger. I wondher what’s keepin’ yer 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


167 


father.” And she rose and looked out of the door. 
“ He said he’d be home airly this evenin’. Come 
in, Kitty, out o’ the jew.” 

This command was issued to a bright-eyed little 
girl of eight summers, who, under the hedge at the 
opposite side of the road, was teaching two or three 
younger ones to make a baby-house with some 
shells and broken pieces of china. 

“ Yis, ma’am,” was the obedient reply ; and, tell- 
ing the little ones that they could finish the play 
to-morrow, she sprang lightly towards the cabin 
door. Something, however, caught her eye down 
the road, and she hastily exclaimed, 

“0, mother, let me go meet my father !” 

Why, is he cornin’ ?” 

“ Yis, ma’am ; I jist seen him turn Ihe corner at 
the foot o’ the hill.” 

“ Well, run along, and let him make haste home 
to his supper.” 

Mrs. Murphy now laid down her knitting, and 
busied herself in making ready her husband’s even- 
ing meal. A small table stood in the middle of the 
floor, on which was a tea-tray of painted tin, holding 
a couple of cups and saucers, a sugar-bowl, and 
cream-ewer of the most unassuming delf; while 
a small tea-pot of black earthenware, in which the 
fragrant herb was drawing, sat in the hot ashes. 


168 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


and a cake, ready baked, stood on end on the 
griddle, leaning against the hob, keeping warm. 
This last was now lifted upon a plate, and laid on 
the table. It was then. cut into small divisions, each 
of which was quickly split, buttered in the middle, 
and closed again ; and a plate, which had been 
warming on the hob, turned down over all to pre- 
vent their cooling. The little black tea-pot was 
next lifted and filled from the kettle, which kept 
up a merry music, while suspended at a little dis- 
tance above the fire ; the ashes was then wiped from 
around it, and it was set on the tray. 

During the performance of these little opera- 
tions, Mrs. Murphy, who seemed touched by Larry’s 
taciturnity, reminded him that he “ needn’t be so 
throubled about it, that he wasn’t to blame, and 
maybe there wasn’t much harm done afther all ; 
an’ don’t mintion it to your father,” she added, 
“ until afther he dhrinks a cup o’ tay.” 

Kitty’s lively prattle was now heard outside, and 
the next moment she appeared at the door, with 
one of her father’s large, brown hands clasped in 
both of hers, while her interesting little face, sur- 
rounded by disordered curls, glowed and beamed 
with exercise and happiness. 

“ Here he is, mother — I brought him home !” 
were the joyful exclamations as she entered. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


1G9 


“ You did, allanna? God spare you to him while 
he lives,” responded her mother. 

“Amin,” rejoined the father; “an’ God spare 
thim all to us.” 

“Well, Larry, what’s the news?” he inquired, 
addressing his son, as he turned up his cuffs to 
wash his hands. 

Larry, in reply, gave him some account of his 
master’s crops, which were remarkably fine this 
year, at which the honest man was much pleased, 
declaring that “ no farmer in the counthry desaiwed 
it betther.” 

In the meantime, Kitty had shut the door, while 
her mother lit a small candle, and placed it in a tin 
candlestick on the table, calling to Larry to “dhraw 
over an’ take a cup o’ tay.” 

“ No, mother,” he replied, as he approached the 
fire and seated himself on a bench in the corner ; 
“it’s little enough for yourself an’ my father, an’ I 
don’t want it.” 

“ O, you may’s well take a cup,” urged his mother, 
“there’s plinty of it.” 

“Bedad there’s no fear o’ the tay cornin’ short,” 
said his father, as he helped himself to a piece of 
the hot buttered cake ; “for whin the pot’s empty 
your mother fills it up out o’ the kittle.” 

Mrs. Murphy smiled as she reminded her hus- 
8 


170 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


band that she “ never axed him to d brink kittle 
tay.” 

“ No, my mother makes that for me,” said Kitty, 
who had crept to her brother’s side, and drawn his 
arm around her. 

“ For you?^^ said Larry, stroking her tangled curls 
with his coarse hand ; “an’ does my mother give you 
tay?” 

“ Yis, indeed,” said the child, with a gay smile, 
“ she always gives me some when herself and my 
father’s done.” 

“She does? Why, she’ll spile you, you little 
fairy.” 

There was now a short pause, which was broken 
by Mrs. Murphy inquiring of her husband if he had 
seen Pat. 

“ Yis,” he replied, “ that was what kept me ; I 
came round there on my way home. He seems 
doin’ purty well,” he added, “an’ has everything 
that he wants. He says if he was her own flesh an’ 
blood, the misthress couldn’t be kindher — God bless 
her.” 

“Was there any one wud him?” inquired his 
wife. 

“ Yis, Dinny Martin was there readin’ for him ; 
he gives him the praise o’ the world for good 
nature.’’ 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


171 


No more was said until the little black tea-pot 
was drained, and a mug of “ kittle tay” with a 
small piece of cake set on the end of the table for 
Kitty, who had had a hearty supper early in the 
evening of coarse bred and goat’s milk ; and, while 
his mother cleared away the tea-table, Larry opened 
the subject of his visit to his father, by inquiring if 
his brother had expressed any wish to see the priest. 
Murphy replied in the negative, adding that he 
hoped the boy was not in danger. 

“Well, danger or no danger,” rejoined Larry, “I 
think it’s a quare thing for him to lie there, day 
aflher day, an’ naither you nor my mother to think 
o’ fetchin’ the priest to him.” 

“ Throth thin,” said his father, “it’s naither your 
mother nor myself that’d be back’ard in gettin’ the 
priest for any one that wanted him, let alone our 
own child ; but I’ll see his reverence in the mornin’, 
an’ spake to him about it, though I know the boy 
isn’t in any danger.” 

“Well, fathef. I’ll tell you what danger he’s in — ” 
and Larry paused to give his announcement greater 
emphasis — “ he’s in danger o’ failin’ into the deadly 
sin of heresy.” 

“Lord Almighty forbid!” exclaimed Murphy, with 
pious energy. “ The great God an’ his blessed moth- 
er purtect the precious sowl o’ my boy.” 


172 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“Amin !” ejaculated Mrs. Murphy, who, through 
the open door of a small room adjoining, had been 
listening to the conversation, while she undressed 
little Kitty, and heard her say her prayers ; and the 
voice of the child now filled the pause, as, while her 
mother tucked the bed-clothes around her, she re- 
peated the old rhyme : 

” There are four corners to my bed, 

There are four saints around my head, 

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, 

God bless the bed that I lie on.” 

She then bade her mother “good-night;” then 
her father and Larry, to each of which affectionate 
replies were given ; when the mother, having made 
the sign of the cross over her child, and kissed her 
soft lips, returned to the common apartment, where, 
knitting in hand, she seated herself in front of the 
fire, between her husband and son. 

The conversation was now resumed, and, during 
the next hour, the subject of Pat’s apostasy, and 
the means to be resorted to in order to prevent it, 
were anxiously discussed by his alarmed parents ; 
nor did Larry leave the cabin, on his return to Mr. 
Cunningham’s, until it had been ^decided that, on 
the following morning, Pat should be brought to his 
humble home, and the attendance of the priest 
requested. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


173 


Accordingly, the farmer’s breakfast was scarcely 
over next morning, when Stacey appeared at the 
parlor door, and said that “ Mrs. Murphy wanted to 
spake to the masther, if he plazed.” 

“Certainly,” said Mr. Cunningham; and, imme- 
diately rising from his seat, he repaired to the 
kitchen. 

“ Good-morning, Kitty,” he said, in his usual kind- 
ly tone, as he entered. 

“ Good-morra an’ good luck, sir,” said the woman, 
with a timid air, as if ashamed of the errand she had 
come upon. 

“ Well, Kitty, what can I do for you ?” and this 
time there was encouragement blended with the 
kindness. 

“Why, sir, you see, about that little boy o’ mine. 
I was jist a thinkin’ that he was likely to have a 
long spell of it, an’ it was hardly fair to have your- 
self an’ the misthress cumbered an’ throubled wud 
him ; an’ I wud nothin’ in the airthly world to do 
but attind to him, an’ Murphy thinks so, too, sir ; 
for, siz he to me last night, ‘ Kitty,’ siz he, ‘ don’t 
you think it’d be betther to fetch the gorsoon home, 
an’ let him take his chance among ourselves — not 
but that I know he’s welkim where he is,’ siz he, 
‘ but that’s no raison why we should impose on good 
nature.’ ” 


174 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


<< Tat ! tut ! tut !” exclaimed the farmer. “What 
nonsense. You know you can’t make him as com- 
fortable as he is here, and I’m sure he’s no trouble 
to any one in the house ; besides, it’s not as if he 
was twenty miles from you — here, you can come to 
see him as often as you like, and see that he’s taken 
care of.” 

“Lord bless your ginerous heart! masther, honey! 
Sure, I know he’s taken every care of, an’ that I 
haven’t the manes o’ makin’ him half as comfortable ; 
but sure, it’s natural I should wish to have him on 
the spot wud me, not knowin’ how long it may last, 
nor how it may ind.” 

“ Indeed, Kitty, I can’t consent to let him go,” 
said Mr. Cunningham, as he walked to the window 
with his hands behind his back, a place they always 
took when his mind was exercised. “ Of course,” 
he continued, “ its quite natural you should wish to 
have him with yourself ; but I know it’s better for 
both you and him that he should stay where he is. 

“ Molly,” and he suddenly turned from the win- 
dow, “go and ask the mistress if she’ll please to 
come here.” The girl immediately went on her 
errand, and in a few minutes the good lady made 
her appearance, wishing her humble visitor a cheer- 
ful good-morning, and playfully inquiring what she 
and the master were quarreling about. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


175 


“ Why, my dear,” said the latter, “ she wants to 
take Pat away.” 

“ What’s that for ?” inquired Mrs. Cunningham, 
in a more serious tone, as she looked from her hus- 
band to Mrs. Murphy. 

“ Well, ma’am,” said the poor woman with 
trembling earnestness, “sure I know there’s enough 
to do here this busy saison, ’ithout havin’ the sick 
to wait on ; an’ I’ve nothin’ particklar to do at 
home, so I think it’s my juty to ’tind him.” 

Mrs. Cunningham did not seem to reply to this, 
but rather soliloquized, with her eyes fixed on the 
plump dimpled hands that were folded over her 
apron. 

“ I don’t think he’s fit to be moved,” she said ; 
“ he’s rather worse to-day, and I fear the change 
won’t serve him : I don’t think the doctor’s horse 
will like mounting that hill either, Kitty and she 
lifted a soft, persuasive glance to the boy’s mother. 
“You hfiaw he’s not in our way, and you 'know we’re 
doing everything for him that can be done — more 
than you could do. As to the little trouble he 
gives, you know 1 don’t regard it, and I’m sure the 
girls don’t — you can ask them, there’s Stacey, if 
she says he’s too troublesome. I’ll be willing to let 
him go.” 

This promise was made confidently, as if she 


176 


EALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


fully reckoned upon the hearty support of the 
good-natured girl. What, then, was her surprise 
to hear her appeal answered — slowly and hesitat- 
ingly, but decidedly — against her. 

“ To be sure, ma’am,” said Stacey, without rais- 
ing her eyes from the losset in which she was 
kneading a quantity of dough, “I’d be sorry to 
find myself begrudgin’ the throuble o’ waitin’ on 
the sick if it was an inemy let alone a neighbor’s 
child ; but, as Mrs. Murphy says, it’s a busy saison, 
an’ wud all the harvest-hands to cook for besides 
our regular work — ” 

“ But, haven’t you additional help ?” interposed 
Mr. Cunningham. 

“ 0 yis, sir, Mrs. Byrne’s here every day ; but 
still, as Mrs. Murphy says, it’s a busy saison.” 

An angry rejoinder was on the lips of her aston- 
ished master, but he was prevented by his wife, 
who, touching his arm, and saying she wanted to 
speak to him, left the kitchen. 

“ Philip,” said she, closing the door of the parlor, 
into which they had entered, “ there’s more in all 
this than appears on the surface. You may depend 
there’s some religious scruple at the bottom of it ; 
for I’m sure that no amount of labor a busy season 
could involve, would make Stacey willing to forego 
her duty to the sick. You know, to visit and re- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


177 • 


lieve the sick is, according to their belief, one of 
the ‘ corporal works of mercy’ by which they earn 
great reward to their own souls ; and there’s not 
a devotee among them more self-sacrificing in its 
observance than our Stacey, independent of her 
inherent good-nature. How often have I known 
her, after a hard day’s work, instead of going to 
her bed, to go and sit up all night with a sick 
neighbor, and in the morning to return to her post 
as cheerfully as if she had had her natural rest. 
So, I feel sure, it’s something more than the ‘ busy 
saison’ that’s making her consent to the boy’s re- 
moval.” 

“ Indeed, my dear, I believe you’re right,” said 
Mr. Cunningham — the good man always believed 
so. “ I couldn’t imagine what had come over 
Stacey; but, I suppose, as you say, there’s some- 
thing about religion at the bottom of it ; so, we 
had better let Pat go.” 

“ Yes, I am very sorry, but it can’t be helped, 
we have done our duty, and are willing to do all in 
our power for him ; but if his parents prefer taking 
him home, they have a right to do so — he belongs 
to them, not to us.” 

Certainly, my dear,” said Mr. Cunningham, 
“of course the control is theirs. Well, I suppose I 

had better go out and see about sending him away 
8 * 


178 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


comfortably and presently he might be seen bust- 
ling about the farm-yard, ordering and inspecting 
the arrangement of the vehicle that was to carry 
the sick boy. 

In the mean time, Mrs. Cunningham had repaired 
to Pat’s room, where his mother was now seated. 
She mentioned to the latter that the master was 
about having a car prepared for the lad’s removal, 
and expressed a kindly hope that he might not be 
jolted in going up “ that rough hill-road ; and who 
knows,” she said, with an encouraging smile, as she 
met the sad, troubled look of his pale young face — 
“ who knows, Pat, what your native breezes up 
there may do for you ? I am one of those who 
believe that, in the hands of a wise Providence, 
everything happens for the best. I’m sorry to see 
you go away — very sorry; but it’s natural that 
your mother should like to have you with herself, 
and it’s not for me to oppose it ; but you’ll not be 
far from us, you know, and the children shall go 
see you, and everything shall be done for you just 
the same as if you were here. And may God bless 
you, Pat, and take care of you, and draw your heart 
more closely to Himself, and raise you up out of 
this sickness renewed in mind and spirit, and deter- 
mined to devote the remainder of your life to his 
service.” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


179 


“Amin!” was the hearty response of both mother 
and son, the former adding with tearful fervor, “ an’ 
may God bless yourself, misthress, darlint, an’ keep 
sickness an’ sorra forever from your door.” 

Pat was carefully wrapped in the bed-clothes, 
and carried down stairs by his father, who had just 
returned from the priest’s house, where he had 
been telling his son’s case, and had received orders 
to lose no time in having him removed from the 
influence of heresy. It was evident that the lad 
was not leaving his master’s house without reluct- 
ance ; for, the long lingering look with which he 
clung to it as he was borne out, and the sigh of 
forced submission with which he closed his eyes 
when finally laid in the car, plainly told that he 
understood the real cause of his removal, and 
deeply mourned the privileges from the enjoyment 
of which he was being torn. Nor were Mr. and 
Mrs. Cunningham alone in the opinion that the 
change would not be beneficial to the invalid ; 
for grave looks were exchanged between those who 
surrounded him at his departure, and the farewells 
and good-wishes that followed him were uttered 
with constrained cheerfulness. 

Murphy and his wife did all that in them lay 
towards the comfort of their afflicted child. They 
^ laid him in their own bed, saying that they 


180 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


wouldn’t “ want it at all at all, while he was at 
home, for one or other of them should sit up 
wud him, and whichever of them wanted to sleep 
could lie down by little Kitty while every assist- 
ance that their humble neighbors could afford was 
gladly proffered. Yet Pat did not improve. His 
native breezes played round him in vain, and in 
vain did the kind-hearted doctor urge his unwilling 
old gray up the “rough hill-road.” His strength 
gradually diminished, and his flesh shrunk away, 
until the once full-toned voice was reduced to a 
whisper, and the plump and ruddy cheeks became 
hollow and *wan. 

The priest visited him immediately upon his 
arrival at home, and examined him upon the articles 
of his faith ; but the boy was too feeble and low- 
spirited to give detailed replies ; he merely expressed 
his assent to th^ leading doctrines of the Church, 
and modestly solicited the prayers of the faithful in 
his behalf. 

His reverence, who had apprehended some signs 
of apostasy, was much pleased with the result of his 
visit; he nevertheless enjoined upon the parents the 
necessity of caution with regard to the associations 
that they permitted to surround th*e invalid. 

Murphy and his wife were now perfectly satis- 
fied. Their darling child was safe within the pale 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


181 


of the true Church, and they sincerely congratulated 
themselves and him upon his fortunate escape from 
the heretical snare that had been laid for him. Yet 
could not Pat believe that his soul had been in peril, 
nor that Denis, whom they regarded as the enemy of 
his salvation, had ever given him any instruction 
that a good Catholic should not receive ; and though 
he fondly loved his mother and little sister, and was 
delighted to have them about him, still he could 
not but miss his intelligent young workmate, and 
that book, so plainly to be understood, yet so ex- 
alting in its influence, for which his father’s cabin 
contained no substitute. Often did he fry to recall 
those passages that he had heard his friend read— 
sometimes lying for hours together, with closed 
eyes, endeavoring to exercise his enfeebled memo- 
ry upon the lessons he had received in those 
happy evening hours, when no tlft)ughts of sick- 
ness nor death gave a deeper color to their import- 
ance. 

One day as he lay thus, while his mother sat 
alone at his bedside, plying her indefatigable knit- 
ting-needles, she felt a strong curiosity to know 
upon what his mind was occupied. So, leaning 
over him, she softly whispered : 

“Pat, avourneen” — ^he opened his eyes — “what 
do you be thinkin’ so much about, darlint?” 


182 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


The boy sighed, and fixed his languid gaze upon 
his mother, as he replied : 

“I do be thinkin’, mother, if the Almighty was 
to call me, is my poor sowl in a fit state to lave the 
world ? an’ I do be thryin’ to remimber some o’ the 
good book that Dinny Martin used to read to me. 
Sure, there’s not the likes of it anywhere. If you 
knew how it used to comfort me, an’ tache me, an’ 
dhrag my heart out to God. 0, mother, it’s a 
blessed book, no matther who says agin it!” 

“Well, but Pat, jewel, isn’t it a Protestant 
book ? and doesn’t it spake agin the Catholics ?” 

“ No, mother, there’s not a word in it about 
Protestants nor Catholics aither ; but it’s full o’ the 
love an’ mercy o’ God to the wicked world. 

“ It tells all about our blessed Redeemer whin he 
was on airth — his poverty, an’ sorras, an’ persecu- 
tions — an’ it gifes an account of all the good he 
used to do, an’ the sarmons he used to prache, an’ 
the meracles he used to work ; his whole life is in 
it, from the time his virgin mother nursed him in 
the manger, till she stood weepin’ by the cross that 
he was dyin’ on — an’ what harm can there be in 
readin’ that?” 

“ Why, none, alanna — that’s beautiful.” 

“ An’ thin, mother, it tells how the apostles got 
on afther our Lord died an’ wint up to heaven — ^how 


BALLYSHAN^ CASTLE. 


183 


the’ wint about prachin’, an’ how the people were 
convertid, an’ the little Church 'grew up into 
thousands. An’ thin it tells o’ the cruel persecu- 
tions that the holy saints met wud from the unbe- 
lievin’ Jews, an’ the haithen; an’ yit how the’ 
incraised in numbers, for God was wud thim — an’ 
sure it can’t be wrong to read that.” 

“No, darlint, that can’t be wrong ; but what more 
is there in it ?” 

“ Well, mother, there’s letthers in it — beautiful 
letthers, that the saints used to write to the peo- 
ple that was scatthered about — layin’ down rules, 
and givin’ directions for good livin’. Some o’ thim 
was wrote by St. F ether himself, the great head o’ 
the Church, you know, an’ sure there can’t be any- 
thing bad in thim ?” 

“ No, avourneen, no ; St. Pether never wrote any- 
thing bad.” 

“Well, mother, that was Denis Martin’s book, 
that yiz all found so much fault wud ; an’ that yiz 
fetched me home from the masther’s on account of.” 

“ Indeed, alanna,” said his mother, soothingly, “ it 
was for the best we fetched you home, that you 
might have the consolations o’ your Church. You 
know you couldn’t have the priest at the masther’s.” 

“Why, mother!” — and the boy’s countenance 
assumed a reproachful expression — “ do you think 


184 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


the masther’d deny any one the binifit o’ their 
clargy ? Far from it ; he towld me himself, whin I 
wanted the priest, I had only to mintion it. God 
bless both him and the misthress. I wondher your- 
self an’ m}’^ father don’t know thim betther.” 

“We do, Pat, honey — we do ; but the thruth is, 
we didn’t know what that Protestant boy might be 
puttin’ into yer head.” 

“ He put nothin’ in my head but what was good, 
mother ; there’s nothin’ else in his own head ; an’ 
there’s nothin’ in his books nor his life aither, that 
the best Catholic could find fault wud. It’d be 
well for me,” added the boy, in a dejected tone, 
“ that I had as much grace an’ piety in my heart to 
go before God wud,” 

“ You have — you have, avourneen;” and the good 
woman laid her knitting in her lap, and, leaning 
fondly over her boy, pressed his cold hands in hers, 
as she tenderly pleaded — “ but yer sick and wake, 
my jewel, and not fit to be thinkin’ too much. 
Maybe it’d be betther if you’d thrust intirely to 
the priest, and do jist what he bids you ; and St. 
Pether, that has power to bind an’ loose on airth, 
’ill relase you from all yer sins, an’ open the gate o’ 
heaven to your sowl.” 

Pat said no more, nor did he ever again mention 
the subject. Those whom he loved best in the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 185 

world could not sympathize with him. They gave 
him all the spiritual assistance in their power, when, 
night after night, they surrounded his bed, and 
piously repeated the “ Litany to the Virgin Mary.” 

Several days had now passed since the doctor’s 
horse had stood at Murphy’s door. The worthy 
physician did not like to tell the afflicted parents 
that he could do no more for their child, but quietly 
withdrew from the scene where his skill was no 
longer of any avail. Still every art that affection 
could devise to soothe and comfort the sick was 
resorted to. Messengers were constantly arriving 
from the farm, to make inquiries, and to convey 
little delicacies from Mrs. Cunningham’s hands ; 
while the farmer himself might be sometimes seen, 
with his hands behind his back, ascending the rocky 
road, and entering the lowly abode of his dying 
servant ; and, however weary and faint the invalid 
might be, or unable to notice other visitors, his 
grateful eyes would open and his lips essay to move 
at the appearance of his worthy master or the chil- 
dren. 

Even at the last, when the gleams of life were 
flickering in the human socket, and memory was 
relaxing her hold of earthly associations, upon his 
mother whispering that “the misthress” was come, 
the heavy lids unclosed, and a faint smile brightened 


186 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


his wan features. Mrs. Cunningham took the seat 
that was vacated for her at the bed’s head, and, as 
she grasped the clammy hand of him whom her 
kindness could no longer serve, while his dim and 
filmy eyes sought hers, the picture of the handsome 
boy, as she had often seen him amongst her flower- 
beds, rose up before her, and the tears, which she 
had struggled to repress, would be no longer con- 
trolled. 

But Mrs. Cunningham’s errand was to afford con- 
solation, not to promote grief by herself yielding to 
it. She, therefore, exerted herself to subdue her 
feelings ; and, with as much calmness as she could 
command, addressed the dying youth. Her voice 
was low, and soft, and gentle ; and her words, 
though few, were tender and full of Christian com- 
fort: 

“ You’re only going a little before us, Pat,” she 
murmured; “we’ll all come by-and-by, and may 
we be as well prepared as you are when our time 
comes.” 

“ God grant it,” responded Murphy, who sat in 
the chimney-corner, his elbows resting on his knees, 
and his face buried in his hands. 

“ Amin,” sobbed the bleeding-hearted mother, who 
had sunk on her knees at the bedside, and, with 
hands clasped, and eyes intently fixed on her depart- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 187 

ing child, exhibited alone by the anguished expres- 
sion of her features, the bitter sorrow she was 
enduring. 

The boy’s glance was feebly turned upon his 
parents, and then towards Mrs. Cunningham. The 
kind lady i^nderstood the mute appeal, and imme- 
diately her soft hand was laid upon the arm of the 
stricken woman at her side, as, in her sweetest 
tones, she said : 

“ Kitty, God is about taking Pat home to him- 
self ; can’t we give him up ? It may seem hard 
that he should be called away thus early ; but who 
can tell how many cares and sorrows he is escaping, 
perhaps sins. I know he is a good boy, naturally ; 
but who can say what temptations might beset him, 
or how his pliant heart might yield to them ? Many 
have fallen into vice, and even crime, who in their 
youth were as innocent as he is.” 

‘‘ Thrue for you, ma’am,” said the father, raising 
his head ; “ thrue for you. That’s the very word 
Father Murphy said yistherda’ — that he’d never be 
in a fitther state to die nor he is at the present time. 
But still,” he added, looking tenderly at his wife, 
“it’s a hard thrial to see him go, an’ his mother’s 
heart was wrapped up in him.” 

“ He had a hold on all our hearts,” replied the 
lady ; “ but there is One who loves him better than 


188 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


any earthly friend can do — One who died that he 
might live. Into His hands, then, let us commit him, 
humbly trusting in His blood, for the salvation and 
eternal happiness of his soul.” 

The priest now entered, and Mrs. Cunningham 
rose to go, not, however, without having exchanged 
a polite greeting with his reverence. One moment 
she bent over the lad to take her last leave of him; 
but she uttered no word, for the pent-up tears gushed 
forth, and her voice became choked. But she 
breathed a silent prayer for his safe passage through 
the cold waters he was entering ; and, releasing the 
wasted hand which she had held, passed her hand- 
kerchief to her eyes, and turned hastily away. The 
last rites of his Church were duly administered to the 
almost unconscious youth, and, in a few hours after, 
the brief story of his earthly course was ended. 


CHAPTER IX. 


It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the 
house of feasting : for that is the end of all men, and the living will 
lay it to his heart. — Eccl. 7 : 2. 

This is my comfort in my affliction : for thy word hath quickened 
me . — Psalm 119 : 50. 

The death of an humble peasant is seldom an 
event of much importance anywhere ; but the family 
of the Murphys was somewhat respected in Friars- 
ford. They were “daicent people,” and “come 
of an owld stock so, when the news of their 
“throuble” was circulated through the neighbor- 
hood, sympathy in all its forms was cordially ten- 
tered to the distressed survivors ; while the beautiful 
dead received all the attention which willing hands 
and warm hearts could bestow. 

A basket of pure linen sheets, accompanied by a 
bunch of choice flowers, arrived from Mrs. Cunning- 
ham. With the former, the bed of death was tastily 
draped ; and the latter were strewed over the cover- 


190 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


let, beneath which the lovely clay, attired in earth’s 
last habiliments, reposed. A cross was laid on the 
unconscious breast, and, above the head, as if step- 
ping forth from the folds of the snowy linen, and 
looking down on the fixed features in their marble 
beauty, stood a small ebony crucifix. 

In life that young face had been eminently hand- 
some ; but now, who shall attempt to portray the 
classic perfection of its rigid outlines ? For, though 
the play of animation was no longer there, nor the 
light that had beamed through the windows of the 
soul, yet the tranquil dignity of death had settled 
over the fitful waves of time, and it presented not 
merely a fair specimen of human beauty, but the 
noble tenement whence had just departed a son of 
God, a prince of glory, and in inheritor of “life 
everlasting.” 

Night having approached, a table was placed by 
the bed, covered with a snowy cloth, on which five 
candles were lighted ; and then the raving mother, 
who had been detained by kind force in the outer 
room while these arrangements were going forward, 
was permitted to reenter the chamber of death. The 
violence of the poor woman’s grief, when she caught 
the first glance of her lost treasure, was alarming to 
look upon. Shriek after shriek echoed through the 
cabin, while her frantic gestures and incoherent 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


191 


ejaculations of despair filled every eye with tears, 
and every heart with pity. Two or three of the 
women attempted to restrain her in the wildness of 
her sorrow; but Mrs. Byrne, who had been in 
attendance almost all day, and a great part of the 
previous night, forbade the movement. 

“ Let the crather alone !” she exclaimed, drawing 
aside those who surrounded the mourner ; “ let her 
cry as much as she likes. Look at all the time she 
kep in the big throuble, while her heart was burstin’, 
for fear o’ disturbin’ his last hours. Now he’s beyant 
the raich of her voice, or the sight of her disthress ; 
let her cry, let her cry and aise her misery.” 

This touching appeal was warmly coincided with, 
and the bereaved mother was suffered to indulge 
her grief without further interruption. A short 
time, and the wild torrent of pent-up sorrow be- 
came exhausted; the loud and hysterical wail gradu- 
ally subsided ; and the poor woman’s eyes turning 
towards the bed, she became instantly mute as she, 
for the first time, fully realized the grand and solemn 
presence she was in. 

“ What a beautiful sight,” observed Mrs. Byrne, 
who hovered by her side, watching for an opportu- 
nity of engaging her attention ; “ an’ sure the pains 
o’ purgatory never passed over the sowl that left 
such a face as that behind it. If we could see the 


192 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


place our darlint’s gone to,” she continued, ‘‘ we 
wouldn’t wish him back agin for a hundherd worlds 
like this. Kitty, agra,” and she softly addressed Mrs. 
Murphy, “did you ever hear a description o’ the 
place that the sowls o’ the young an’ innocent goes 
to ?” Without requiring a reply, yet satisfied that 
she was listened to, she went on: “Sure, if we only 
knew the half of it — the brightness, an’ the splen- 
dher, an’ the glory o’ the world the’ enther upon — 
it’s thankin’ God we’d be for every one that died 
airly ’ithout havin’ committed mortal sin. It’s a 
blessed change that passes over thim, from this 
mane, grovelin’ life, an’ the pollutin’ company o’ 
Satan’s frinds, to a home in God’s own paradise, 
an’ the society o’ the holy saints an’ angels.” 

Mrs. Murphy’s attention was now quite attracted ; 
for, with her eyes resting on the floor and her hands 
clasped on her knees, she gently rocked herself to 
and fro, while her ears greedily swallowed every 
word her friend uttered. Mrs. Byrne saw her ad- 
vantage, and went on : 

“ What a dazzlin’ sight it must be, to be sure, to 
thim that’s gone sthrait from this dark an’ unclane 
world ! There the sthreets i^ paved wud pure 
goold, an’ the walls is built wud precious stones. 
The gates is made o’ solid pearls — twelve o’ thim, 
an’ an angel at every gate. An’ thin the brightness 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


193 


that shines all over it ; the’ want no sun or moon 
there, for the ’fulgence o’ God’s own glory lights it, 
an’ everything glistens and glames there like pol- 
ished glass. The throne the Almighty sits on is 
there, wrapped round wud a sparklin’ rainbow, an’ 
the happy sperets that’s escaped out o’ this poor 
world, stan’ round it, clothed in white robes — whiter 
nor any snow — an’ palms in their hands. Then God 
wipes away all tears from their eyes ; an’ death, an’ 
sorra’, an’ cry in’, an’ pain are forever passed away ; 
an’ the’ have harps in their hands, an’ the’ sing day 
an’ night : ‘ Blessin’, an’ honor, an’ glory, an’ power 
be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, an’ unto 
the Lamb.’ An’ 0, the best of it is, ‘ They shall see 
his face,’ an’ ‘ shall reign forever an’ ever.’ ” 

“Where did you larn all that?” inquired Mrs. 
Murphy, in a tone of intense interest. 

“ Th’ owld man has a book at home,” said Mrs. 
Byrne, “that tells all about it*— more nor I can 
remimber, though I know enough of it to comfort 
the afflicted. I never heerd it myself until sorra’ 
threw her pison over my heart’s pace, an’ a moun- 
tain-load o’ throuble crushed me to the ground. 
You know whin I mane !” And the speaker’s voice 
trembled as she continued : “Our eldest son Tom, 
that was an industhris, well-behaved boy, marrid an’ 

wint to America. We were loth to part wud him, 
9 


194 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


but we knew he could do betther there nor here ; 
so, we gave him our blessin’, an’ let him go. Then 
Phil, that was a wild crather, an’ often gave me un- 
aisiness, ’listed in a frolic, an’ was sint off to foreign 
parts. Still, I had my darlin’ Jimmy, the best an’ 
jutifullest child that ever a mother delighted in. 
He’d ‘ never lave us,’ he said, ‘ it was the laist we 
might have one son to work for us in our owld 
days.’” Here the poor woman’s apron found its 
way to her face, and the listeners, several of whom 
had gathered round, exchanged glances of commiser- 
ation. 

Ay, indeed!” she resumed, “he was a boy to 
be proud of, not that I’d say it myself, but yiz all 
remimber Jimmy Byrne ; he had the good will of 
every one in the counthry, an’ no one ever blamed 
me that my very life was centhered in him.” Again 
the apron came in contact with the narrator’s face, 
and this time the bent figure shook, as though a 
convulsion were riving it. In a few minutes, how- 
ever, the agitation was subdued, and she again 
proceeded : 

“ I needn’t partic’larize my misfortune — yiz all 
remimber it. Indeed, I don’t b’lieve I ever heerd 
the full partic’lars myself — the’ used to tell me, but 
I couldn’t listen. I only know that he left me in 
the mornin’, bright an’ hearty, an’ was carried home 


BALIiYSHAN CASTLE. 


195 


to me in a few hours, a stained an’ disfigured corpse. 
I don’t know what I said or done in my disthraction 
and madness. I charged every one wud his death, 
though it was a pure accident, an’ three men an’ a 
’prentice boy was nearly kilt along wud him. The’ 
didn’t know what to do wud me. I was in such a 
state until the priest came — God he wud Father 
Grotty.” 

“ Amin !” was responded around. 

“He begun to explain to me how the scaffoldin’ 
fell ; but I wouldn’t hear him. Thin he took howld 
o’ my hand, an’ raisoned wud me about the sin o’ 
flyin’ in the face o’ Providence. He said how that 
sudden death was sudden glory to such as is pre- 
pared for it — an’ if ever any one loved God, an’ 
sthrove to plaze him, it was my precious gorsoon. 
Then, Kitty, I saw that hook for the first time. The 
priest had it in his pocket, an’ he took it out an’ 
read me — an’ held my hand while he read it — a de- 
scription o’ the place my blessed child was gone to. 
The Lord presarve every one’s sinses in sudden an’ 
heavy throuble ! but, if it wasn’t for Father Grotty 
an’ that hook^ I think I must ha’ lost mine. The 
owld man wouldn’t be ’ithout it afther, an’ we found 
it a good frind iver since ; for it has comfort, an’ 
advice, an’ insthruction, for all times and cirkim- 
stances. 


196 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“Whin we came back to our lonesome cabin, 
afther layin’ our lost darlint in the grave, it seemed 
as if the light of the world was extinguished from 
before our eyes. A dhreadful feelin’ o’ despair like, 
came over me as we crossed the threshold, an’ I 
knew the owld man felt it, too, though he thried to 
consale it. 

“ ‘ Come, Peggy, jewel,’ siz he, puttin’ me down 
upon a chair, ‘ we’re as well off now as we were the 
day I brought you here, a young an’ blomin’ bride ; 
we had only aich other thin, acushla,’ siz he, ‘ an’, 
thanks be to God, we have aich other yit.’ That’s 
tin years ago come holentide, an’ naither of us ever 
repined since ; but we sthrive to keep our thoughts 
on that counthry that the good book tells us about, 
where thim we lost in this world is enjoyin’ the 
light o’ God’s glory, an’ where, wud the Saviour’s 
help, we’ll be agin united, to part no more forever.” 

Mrs. Murphy, who, during her friend’s recital, had 
felt the poignancy of her grief gradually diminish, 
was now sufficiently composed to recognize Mr. 
Cunningham’s voice, who had just entered the outer 
room, and to rise to meet him as he stepped into the 
chamber where the early dead reposed. 

“ This is well, Kitty,” said the good man, pleased 
to see the bereaved mother so calm — “ this is well. 
We can follow him, you know.” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 197 

“ Yis, sir, that’s just what Peggy Byrne was tell- 
in’ me, God bless her ; she knows how to pour balm 
upon a sore heart.” 

“ She does, she does,” said the farmer, looking 
kindly at the wife of the old gardener ; and, feeling 
that he could offer no consolation that had not 
already been tenderly administered, he seated him- 
self by the bed, and silently regarded the lovely 
image displayed there. 

The little cabin was now fast filling with the 
humble neighbors who were coming to share the 
vigils of the mourners, and by their presence to 
comfort and enliven the house of sorrow ; and the 
conversation, which had been carried on in whis- 
pers, and confined to the subject which brought 
them together, was' lifted to a higher key, and 
other topics were discussed, though still of a grave 
and quiet nature. Mr. Gallagher, the schoolmas- 
ter, enlightened the company upon the manner in 
which nations differed respecting their treatment 
of the dead ; dilating with some warmth upon the 
superiority of his own country’s usages in the ob- 
servance of that solemn duty. 

“ I don’t know, sir,” he said, politely addressing 
Mr. Cunningham, “ whether I am not expressing 
sentiments at variance with yours. I know there 
are those who, as well as following the religion of 


198 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


England, follow also her manners and customs, even 
adopting her opinions and prejudices.” 

“ Indeed, Mr. Gallagher,” replied the farmer, “ I 
am not one of those, for there is no nation on earth 
whose customs I prefer to those of my own ; but, 
with regard to the present subject under considera- 
tion, there is nothing you have said that I don’t 
fully coincide with.” 

“ I am glad to hear it, sir,” said the schoolmaster, 
“ and I am only surprised that any sensible man 
should think differently.” 

“ It is more a matter of feeling than of sense,” 
observed Mr. Cunningham ; “ it surely must be feel- 
ing, and the best and holiest of feeling, that keeps 
warm and loving hearts watching beside the cold 
bodies of their lost friends, lest a spark of vitality 
might be remaining in them ; and I think the 
fashion prevalent in England, of shutting up the 
scarcely-cool form, immediately that the semblance 
of life has disappeared, and leaving them either 
quite alone, or to the drowsy care of uninterested 
hirelings, betrays a want of feeling that humanity 
should be ashamed of.” 

“ Indeed, sir, that’s true !” exclaimed Mr. Galla- 
gher ; “ for, if the cases of trance were so few that 
there did not occur more than one in ten thousand 
deaths, yet surely it would be worth while to re- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


199 


cover that one. And what is more likely to act as 
a restorative to the frail and languid spirit tottering 
back again from the region of darkness, than to find 
itself in an atmosphere of light and love, surround- 
ed by the familiar faces of friends and kin ? How 
different must be the effect upon the feeble soul 
awakening to partial consciousness in a dim and 
lonely chamber, with neither word nor glance of 
love to welcome it back to life?” 

“ Yes, yes,” said Mr. Cunningham, “ different in- 
deed!” and, after a moment’s pause, he added, “You 
would not have far to go for a case in point, Mr. 
Gallagher. I believe the Shannon family could 
furnish one.” 

Several of the listeners mentioned that they had 
“ heerd something about that,” and, upon a general 
desire being expressed to learn the particulars, Mr. 
Cunningham related the following event : • 

“ It happened long ago, when the old marquis 
and marchioness were alive, and the present mar- 
quis and Lord William were young men. 

“ The family consisted of six gentlemen and one 
lady, and that one, the sweetest and loveliest girl 
that ever the sun looked down upon. She was so 
dear, so inexpressibly precious, to both her parents 
and brothers, that the whole world contained noth- 
ing else that was valuable when compared v/ith her. 


200 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


But above all, she was idolized by Lord William, 
probably because they were next each other in age, 
and peculiarly alike in dispositions. The first words 
his lordship ever uttered were ‘ pitty sissy,’ and, from 
that hour until he fell fainting in the church-yard, 
upon seeing the heavy vault-gate swing to, inclosing 
her precious relics within it, his strong and beautiful 
affection for her neither varied nor diminished. 

“ It was winter, and the family were all in Dub- 
lin, when Lady Mary was seized with her last illness. 
Her disease was not of a serious nature, so that no 
fatal result was apprehended ; nevertheless, to the 
unspeakable agony and amazement of all, the wheels 
of her young life stood still. 

“ The present marquis, who was then Earl Shan- 
non, had lately married an English lady of distin- 
guished rank, by whose influence several new 
fashions had been adopted in the family; and now, 
in accordance with a suggestion from the same 
quarter, it was decided, that nothing so vulgar as a 
‘ wake’ should be held around the honored body of 
Lady Mary. The object of so much affection was, 
therefore, laid in lonely state ih a gloomy chamber, 
with no company but one attendant, who was to 
be relieved at stated intervals, while the distracted " 
relatives were forced away to break their hearts in 
private.” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 201 

Here arose several exclamations of “cruel,” “in- 
human,” “ unnatural,” etc., in which the school- 
master fully acquiesced, warmly declaring that such 
a custom ought to be put down by law. Quiet 
being restored, the narration was again resumed. 

“ One half of the night had worn slowly away, 
and the old woman who, wrapped in a thick shawl, 
had been nodding and dozing in the large and silent 
apartment, having just trimmed the ’candles, and 
settled herself again in her chair, was suddenly 
startled by a long-drawn sigh, accompanied by a 
faintly-uttered ‘ Oh, dear !* She cast a frightened 
glance toward the bed, when, lo ! the lady, whom 
she had supposed to be fast bound in the sleep of 
death, was raised on her elbow, and her eyes open 
and glistening. Seized with superstitious terror, 
the ignorant attendant, with a piercing cry, rushed 
from the room. The noise she made in her flight 
alarmed the quiet household. Several hastened to 
inquire the cause of the disturbance, and ere many 
minutes had elapsed, the family and domestics were 
all crowded in speechless horror and anguish around 
the beautiful dead — dead now in reality — her fair 
hand thrown out as if with an impulse to stay her 
retreating attendant, and her face pressed against 
the pillow where it had fallen. 

“ A neighboring physician, who, in the first 
9 * 


202 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


alarm, had been hastily summoned, was soon in 
attendance, and then rapid orders were issued for 
calling in another, and another, and another, until 
the heads of the faculty were all assembled. But 
their united efforts were of no avail : the gentle 
spirit had been ruthlessly driven back on its timid 
return, and it was now gone forever. 

“ The shock, which this terrible event occasioned 
to every member of the family, was long and severe 
in its effects. A stroke of paralysis prostrated the 
marquis, which was succeeded by others, and in 
less than three months the best head that ever 
ruled a house was laid low. Meanwhile, the 
Countess Shannon, who reproached herself for her 
unhappy interference, was seized with a nervous 
fever from which she with difficulty recovered. 
How much Lord William suffered no one ever 
knew ; for, in pity to his afflicted mother, he con- 
cealed the poignancy of his grief : but he has been 
a strong advocate for native customs ever since, and 
while he lives no English fashion will ever gain 
access to Shannon Park.’’ 

At the conclusion of this deeply affecting rela- 
tion, the feelings of the audience upon the subject 
were openly and heartily expressed, and a friendly 
discussion ensued respecting the origin of the cere- 
monies observed in many parts of the country in 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


203 


the performance of the last sad duty for departed 
friends. 

The “ keen,” or “ cry,” Mr. Gallagher supposed 
to be one of the remains of heathen barbarism, in 
which the country had been enveloped before the 
appearance of St. Patrick, but with this opinion Mr. 
Cunningham did not agree. 

“I find,” said he, “that the same custom is pre- 
valent in the East, and has been from time imme- 
morial, according to the unchanging character of 
oriental usages. It was also practiced by the Jews ; 
for we find allusion made to it in several parts of 
the Old Testament ; and there is reason to believe 
that their wakes were conducted upon much the 
same principle as ours are, for we hear of the 
neighbors assembling in the house of mourning to 
wail the dead and sympathize with the survivors. 
They had also music and feasting; and even the 
drinking, which is such a reproach to our people 
for being practiced at such a solemn time, most 
probably had its origin in the cup of consolation 
that was usual on these occasions.” 

It was now found that the night was far ad- 
vanced, and several neighbors having entered, who 
had come to keep the morning watch, Mr. Cunning- 
ham proposed that those who had remained thus 
far should leave, which would prevent the cabin 


204 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


from being crowded, and give them an opportunity 
of getting a little rest before the morning should call 
them to labor. 

“ The few hours that we have been together,” he 
said, “ have not been unpleasantly nor unprofitably 
spent. We have neither disputed nor contended on 
any subject ; and, as we agree in so much, is there 
any reason that we should not unite in asking God’s 
blessing before we separate ? Fellowship in prayer 
was recommended by our loving Redeemer when on 
earth, with a promise of his personal presence when- 
ever it was practiced ; and if we now join to offer 
up a few petitions in his name, he will surely be 
amongst us.” 

The proposal was received with perfect silence — 
some fixing their eyes upon the ground, while others 
glanced at Mr. Gallagher, as if expecting the reply 
to come from him ; but the pedagogue leaned back 
in his chair, with his hands clasped before him, and 
his chin resting on his chest, as if patiently awaiting 
the sequel. 

After a short pause, Mr. Cunningham, seeing there 
was no opposition, asked ]\(urphy for his prayer- 
book, when a worn and thumb-soiled manual was 
produced, which, taking in his hands, he turned the 
leaves, as if familiar with its contents, and, having 
found what he sought, handed it to the school- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


205 


master, requesting that he would read while they 
all knelt. 

Mr. Gallagher received the book, compiled by his 
own Church, from the hands of his Protestant neigh- 
bor, with graceful gravity; and every knee was 
bowed, and every heart humbly raised, while one 
of the oldest prayers in the Roman ritual was slow- 
ly and solemnly addressed to the Triune God. It 
was not likely that the serious influences, under 
which the good farmer left his simple-hearted 
neighbors, would soon pass away; for, when the 
constraint of his presence was no longer felt, the 
conversation was still of a sober and innocent char- 
acter — his own praise bearing no small part in it. 

“ To think of him kneelin’ an’ takin’ part in a 
Catholic prayer,” said one, who mentioned the fact 
as the highest style of commendation. 

“ Many a time he knelt by my bed when I was 
sick, an’ read the same prayer,” said Protestant 
Byrne, and his wife raised her voice to express a 
wish that she had often before been heard to utter, 
viz. : that every Protestant in the country was like 
him. 

Mr. Cunningham sent every one in his employ- 
ment to the funeral of Pat Murphy, himself joining 
the procession on horseback, accompanied by his 


son. 


206 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


The burying-ground of the Murphy family was 
contiguous to an ancient abbey, some five miles from 
Friarsford ; and, in the silent shade of the ivy-decked 
ruin, where the sacred yew drooped her pensive 
boughs, and innumerable crowds of nature’s chorist- 
ers each day chanted the matin and vesper hymn, 
the remains of the handsome peasant boy were 
sadly and solemnly laid amongst the bones of his 
ancestors. It was a place for melancholy retrospect, 
as, pointing back to the obscure past, that dis- 
mantled ruin, and the hoary grave-stones by which 
it was surrounded, told of those who had been, and 
who had ceased to be, and a few of whom, only, had 
left even their names behind them. 

And one there was who, as he moved amidst the 
time-worn and dilapidated monuments, and endea- 
vored to trace their scarcely-legible records, won- 
dered where his forefathers reposed, and what spot 
of earth contained their mouldering ashes, and 
yearned — oh! for the thousandth time — for the 
sweet and elevating consciousness of honest lineage, 
and legitimate birth. Nor, as he walked home by 
the side of Protestant Byrne, could the nameless 
orphan refrain from remarking, that it was well for 
those who knew the line from which they had 
descended, and could join an honorable kindred in 
the grave. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


207 


“ It’s betther,” said the kind old man, who knew 
what the allusion meant, “ a dale betther for them 
that belong to the family o’ God, an’ can join 
Abraham, an’ Isaac, an’ Jacob, before his throne in 
glory.*’ 

“ Yes, 0, yes ! Mr. Byrne,” replied the lad, “ I know 
that’s a higher privilege, and one that is attainable 
by the lowest and most insignificant — Lazarus, for 
example.” 

“Ay, indeed, asthore, poor Lazarus was low an’ 
miserable enough when he was on airth; an’ yit 
God’s own frind wasn’t ashamed to take him into 
his bosom ; sure no one ought ever pine afther 
worldly friends or relations, that reads that account. 
0, thank God for his blessed book ! Sure, as my 
ould woman says, ‘ it has comfort for every occa- 
sion.’ ” 

“Does the priest approve of your reading the 
Bible, Mr. Byrne?” Denis ventured to inquire. 

“Indeed, acushla, I never asked him,” was the 
reply; “but, whatever he may think, he can’t 
spake agin it, for it’s the rail Douay I read.’’ 

“ I know it is,” said Denis, “ but even that is not 
much encouraged — is it ?” 

“ No, darlint, not as much as it desarves to be ; 
but it was put into my hand in a time o’ throuble 
an’ sorra by as thrue a Christian as ever broke the 


208 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


world’s bread, an’ I never seen the day since, that 
I’d give it up.” 

The worthy man had perceived that his young com- 
panion was depressed in spirits, and had endeavored, 
by a few words fitly spoken, to cheer and enliven 
him ; but he had now got upon his favorite topic, 
and talked on from the love of his subject. Denis, 
therefore, heard how that Father Grotty, who had 
been for a few years parish priest of Friarsford, 
was a conscientious and devoted scripturist, making 
the Word of God the rule of his life and the basis of 
his faith. He preached it in public, taught it in 
private, and put it into the hands of all who were 
able and willing to read it. 

Alas ! that one so good, so amiable, and so pious, 
should incur the displeasure of his Church by 
presenting to his flock the volume that had been 
translated and published under her own implied 
authority. Yet such was the fact. In the midst 
of his usefulness, he was suddenly cited before 
his bishop, to answer ..to the awful charge of 
heresy ; and, notwithstanding his defense was 
most simple and satisfactory, “the Protestant 
priest,” as he had been nicknamed, was expelled 
from the parish, and Father Murphy appointed in 
his stead. 

A complete revolution was now effected in the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


209 


parish, and Popery, in its most popish form, was 
uncompromisingly established. 

Some, who had received the word of life from 
Father Grotty, left the new priest, rather than give 
it up, and read their recantations in the Episcopal 
Church ; others forsook their homes, and emigrated 
to America, where they could keep their Bibles “ an’ 
welkim.” The narrator did neither. He clung to 
his own Church, and to his own country, still keep- 
ing fast hold of the book that had made him a bet- 
ter, a wiser, and a happier man ; and receiving no 
greater evil than the appellation of “ Protestant 
Byrne.“ 


CHAPTEE X. 


To do good, and to communicate, forget not : for with such 
sacrifices God is well pleased. — Heb. 13 : 16. 

Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive ; and 
let thy widows trust in me. — Jer. 49 : 11. 

As autumn advanced and the days shortened, the 
marl-pit, now doubly dear from its kindly associa- 
tions, was obliged to be abandoned. , 

In the mean time, Tim Flanagan had possessed 
himself of a Douay Testament, and was making 
slow but steady progress in his acquaintance with 
its contents. Nor were there any to prohibit his so 
doing ; for he had no relations in the country, but 
an aged grandmother and orphan sister, neither of 
whom arrogated any control over him. His mind, 
like his person, was deficient of the brighter quali- 
ties, so that Denis had not found it, as in the case 
of Pat Murphy, a selfish gratification to instruct 
him ; but there was so much desire in his dull, plod- 
ding perseverance, so much patient good-temper in 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


211 


his zigzag clambering, that his lack of shining ca- 
pacities was soon obviated, and quietly and unosten- 
tatiously he acquired knowledge, that many, with 
talents of a superior order, had never gained. 

From his old companions . he never estranged 
himself. Their raillery he had long been accus- 
tomed to ; and now, that it was leveled against his 
“ scholarship” or his “ piety,” he bore it as good- 
humoredly as ever; while they could not avoid 
perceiving, with astonishment, the increasing intelli- 
gence of one who, for eight years, had dwelt on the 
farm with no other character than that of “simple 
and harmless.” 

And the youth himself had an intuitive conscious- 
ness of the fact ; and his uncouth figure became 
more erect, and his rough, red hair more smooth, as 
his mental culture advanced, and his faculties gra- 
dually developed. 

Nor did the improvement in the hitherto ignorant 
and coarse lad fail to attract the observation of his 
kindly interested master, who reminded his wife, 
when drawing her attention to the subject, that 
there was nothing like a Scripture education after 
all, for uplifting the spirit, and renewing in fallen 
man the lost image of his Creator. 

To Denis, nothing of the kind could have been 
more welcome, after the privation he had sustained 


212 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


in the loss of his late dear and promising pupil, than 
the unfolding intellect that unexpectedly rendered 
his less attractive workmate more companionable. 
Not that the Foundling knew any lack of social 
intercourse, being, as it has before been seen, a fre- 
quent and welcome visitor at the pretty cottage of 
Widow Carroll, and a general favorite everywhere 
— besides enjoying the constant privilege of sharing 
the devotions of his master’s family, and taking part 
in their Sabbath-evening conversations. Yet it was 
pleasant in the kitchen and the field, to have one 
genial spirit with whom to exchange occasional 
thoughts, and one inquiring mind to whom he could 
impart some of that light which his own superior 
advantages had plentifully supplied to him. 

While the long days lasted, Denis’s evening visits 
to Mrs. Carroll had been expended on her garden, 
in the improvement of which he seemed to take as 
much interest as Norah did; and felt personally 
flattered, as he sometimes drove his mistress past the 
cottage, to hear her remark, admiringly, “How 
luxuriant Norah’s flowers look,” or, “ What a pretty 
garden that little girl is making though the good 
lady was well aware that the tastily-arranged plot, 
in front of the widow’s dwelling, was not altogether 
the work of the widow’s daughter. 

As the evenings became short and chilly, how- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


213 


ever, and out-of-door employments were necessarily 
curtailed, the lad’s appearance was not less heartily 
greeted by his humble friends; for he still made 
himself useful, as, seated beside the blazing turf, he 
assisted Norah in conning her daily lessons, or made 
his Sunday-school lore available in giving her suitable 
suggestions on the subject of her Sabbath studies ; 
while Mrs. Carroll showed a lively interest in the 
young people’s occupation, by cheerfully participat- 
ing in it, often congratulating them on their superior 
privileges, and contrasting their religious advantages 
with what her own had been. 

These frequent allusions to her early days awoke 
in Denis a curiosity to know the particulars of her 
past life. He had heard that she was Mr. Gallagher’s 
sister, and he perceived that between her and the 
schoolmaster no intercourse subsisted ; and, though 
it was well known that the cause of the disunity 
was to be attributed to the widow’s having left the 
faith of her own family for that of her husband’s, yet 
the details of his friend’s eventful history were un- 
known to him ; and when, sometimes in conversation, 
she slightly adverted to the past, our hero felt a rising 
wish to hear the whole chequered story. 

In this he was to be gratified ; for one evening as 
they sat together— Mrs. Carroll and her daughter 
engaged with needle-work, while Denis entertained 


214 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


them with some of the leading circumstances of his 
own short experience — Norah suddenly observed — 

“ You are worse off than I am, Denis ; for you 
have neither of your parents, while I have lost only 
my father.” 

“ Only your father, Norah !” exclaimed her mother. 
“Was he so slight a loss to you^ that was all the 
world to me?” and tears rushed to her eyes, and her 
voice choked with emotion. 

Denis turned a look of gentle reproach on Norah, 
and expressed regret that so painful a subject should 
have been broached. . 

“ No ! no !” said the widow, wiping away her 
tears; “I am to blame.' Norah doesn’t know 
enough about her father. This foolish weakness, 
which often prevented my talking to her of him, 
has left her almost ignorant of her best friend and 
mine.” 

“ Well, mother, dear, never mind it now,” said 
Norah, affectionately pressing her lips to the soft, 
matronly cheek yet damp with tears. 

“ No, honey. I’ll put it off. no longer,” said the 
mother, fondly returning her daughter’s caress. “I 
feel equal to it now, and I don’t mind Denis being 
by, if he cares to hear my unhappy story.” 

The boy hastened to assure her that if the recital 
would not be painful to her, it would be extremely 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


215 


inteiesting to him. She, therefore, having again 
wiped her eyes, and schooled down her feelings, re- 
lated the following touching narrative : 

“ I was reared in the snug farm on the hill, where 
my brother John lives now, and till I was above 
twenty years of age there was no lighter-hearted 
girl in the parish than Mary Gallagher. 

“ There wasn’t a gathering in the country round 
but I was at ; for I was very fond of riding, and my 
father had a beautiful gray mare that he let me have 
whenever I liked, and I managed her so well, and 
sat my saddle so prettily, that my brothers were 
quite proud of me, and delighted to take me about 
with them. 

“ Those were pleasant times, and little did we 
think that anything would ever come between us ; 
for sure, more loving or indulgent brothers a giddy 
girl was never blessed with. Not that I was their 
only sister either, for there were two girls older 
than I ; but one of them got married and left 
home quite young, and the other gave herself up 
entirely to religion, so that the boys had no one but 
myself to make a pet and companion of. They gave 
me everything I wished for, and took me everywhere 
I wanted to go to — especially John; for Terence 
was always so taken up with learning that he 
didn’t often go out, except when there was some- 


216 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


thing particular, and John was too busy on the 
farm. 

“ 0 ! they were good, kind brothers until I turned 
them against me, and then they were not to blame, 
for they acted conscientiously ; and if we never 
speak in this world, I hope we’ll make it all up in 
heaven yet. 

“ Well, I was just twenty-three years of age, and 
had never known an hour’s trouble in my life, when 
my brother John and I went as usual to the pattern 
of the holy well. It was delightful weather, and 
as my frisky little mare cantered along the crowded 
road, the whole country seemed to smile in bless- 
ings upon my manly brother and myself. 

“ The day was spent, as such days always are, in 
every manner of enjoyment. All our friends and 
acquaintances were there, and we went from one 
lively party to another, seeing, and hearing, and 
sharing in everything that was innocent and gay. 

‘•At a proper hour in the evening, we were prepar- 
ing to come home along with Mr. Rogan’s family 
of the mill, and the O’Dowds of Kilrush, when it 
was found that James Rogan, that never was ready 
to leave a place of diversion as long as any fun re- 
mained, had gone over among the tents with two or 
three other young men •, and, dreading he might get 
into trouble— for he had already drank as much as 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


217 


was good for him — my brother and Larry Rogan 
set off to look for him. 

“ They had all drank enough through the day ; 
but John was always so sensible and strong in him- 
self, that it never entered into my head to distrust 
him, and Larry Rogan was another very steady 
young man. So, without a thought of anything 
going wrong, we stopped a fiddler that was pass- 
ing, and made up a hornpipe on the sod, determined 
to enjoy ourselves until they came back. 

“ I don’t know how long they were away, for we 
were so merry that we didn’t feel the time fly ; but 
I know it was after sunset, when we were startled 
from our amusement by a loud noise of singing and 
talking, and saw a group of men coming up, and 
two or three of them dressed in soldiers’ clothes, 
with the colored ribbons in their hats, that showed 
them to be a recruiting party. I was astonished to 
hear John talking and laughing in a boisterous man- 
ner, and the two Rogans singing and shouting as 
they reeled along. But I nearly sank as the dreadful 
thought flashed upon my mind, that my dear brother 
had enlisted in his tipsy folly. It was the first 
time that anything like a shock had ever come upon 
me, and I didn’t know how to bear it. So I wrung 
my hands and burst into a loud fit of crying. John 

ran to me, and put his hands round my neck, and 
10 


218 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


tried to comfort me ; but he talked nothing but wild 
nonsense, and it only made me worse to hear him. 

“ There was a buzz of confusion all round, too ; 
for both the young Rogans had enlisted, and their 
father, who was a very hot-tempered man, was 
storming at a tremendous rate, while the girls were 
crying, and the O’Dowds doing all they could to 
make peace. 

“All at once the noise stopped, and I heard 
a calm, masterly-sounding voice, that every one 
seemed to pay attention to. Just then Ellen 
O’Dowd touched my arm ; 

“ ‘ G-et up, Mary,’ says she, ‘ here’s the sergeant, 
and he says the boys may come home for to-night.’ 

“ At the same time I heard John saying : ‘ This 
is my sister, sir, and she’s crying because I’m going 
to serve the king.’ 

“ I wiped my face and looked up ; and, though it 
was quite dark, I plainly saw the tall, straight 
figure that stood before me. The sergeant bowed, 
and came a step or two nearer, as he said : 

“ ‘ I hope, miss, you don’t think I’m going to 
take your brother from you now, and leave you by 
yourself among all these people ; the king wouldn’t 
thank me for treating the daughter of one of his loyal 
subjects so.’ 

“ He then turned to John : ‘ You can see your 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


219 


sister home, Mr. Gallagher,’ says he, ‘ and I’ll come 
over to your father’s to-morrow morning, and talk 
about your enlistment.’ 

“John told him he was a gentleman, and the king 
was a gentleman, and he was ready with all his 
heart to fight for them both. ‘And come to break- 
fast, sergeant,’ says he, ‘ and, though we don’t have 
many dainties, we can give you a new-laid egg, and 
a rasher, and bread and butter of my mother’s own 
making, and as good a cup of tea as ever came from 
China.’ 

“ He then invited the other soldiers, and went on 
inviting every one that stood round to breakfast at 
my father’s the next morning, and shook hands with 
them all. 

“ By this time our horses were waiting, for some 
good-natured boys had brought them out for us, and 
the Rogans and O’Dowds were all ready; so the 
sergeant politely helped me to mount, and raised his 
hat as he wished me a pleasant ride home. He then 
shook hands with John, and with Mr. Rogan, and 
said he hoped to have the pleasure of seeing us all 
in the morning. I tried two or three times to 
thank him for his kindness, but somehow, between 
the trouble, and the surprise, and the fright, I 
couldn’t open my lips, though Anne Rogan thanked 
him heartily for his indulgence to her brothers ; so, 


220 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


I tormented myself all the way home about what a 
stupid, ungrateful creature he must take me to be. 

“ The boys sung and laughed all along the road; 
and John — though I begged him not to tell my 
father and mother until morning, and he promised 
he wouldn’t — the minute he got inside the house, 
shouted out that he was going to serve the king, 
and had only just come home to bid them good-by, 

“ I can hardly describe the night we spent. 

“ The poor fellow himself was nearly sobered 
when he saw the distress he had brought upon his 
parents, and cried heartily over his folly. 

“ My father was the only one who didn’t cry ; he 
seemed stunned and overpowered — for John was his 
uphold on the land. He sat for near an hour with- 
out stirring, with his face in his hands that were 
folded on the table; while my poor mother made 
all sorts of lamentations over her enticed boy. 

“ At last Terence persuaded us all to take a little 
rest, or we wouldn’t be able to stir in the morning ; 
so we went through ^the form of going to bed, 
though I believe there was more crying than sleep- 
ing on every pillow in our house that night. 

“ The sergeant kept his word next day ; and, 
though he wasn’t with us to breakfast, it was yet 
quite early when he and the corporal were seen 
coming. John and Terence went out to meet 


BALLYSHAN CAS TLB. 


221 


them ; and in a few minutes they were seated in 
the parlor, quietly talking to my father and the 
boys. 

“ My mother and Judith and myself sat crying in 
the kitchen until my father called us, and Terence 
came running out, and told us that the sergeant 
wasn’t going to take John after all. We soon 
wiped our eyes, and went into the parlor. My 
poor mother didn’t wait for an introduction, but 
shook hands with the two strangers, and bid them a 
kindly welcome ; she then sat down beside my 
father, and asked to hear it all. It was soon ex- 
plained ; the sergeant, who was the very soul of 
justice, and honor, and everything right, never took 
a recruit when intoxicated ; he always gave him 
twelve hours to come to himself, and at the end of 
that time, if he still wished to enter the army, he 
then enlisted him. So he was now come to see if 
John was still of the same mind he was of the night 
before. He said it was with the full consent of his 
commanding officer he acted so, and he found that 
though he did not, perhaps, gain so many recruits, 
yet they made the best soldiers who were not taken 
at disadvantage. 

“ He didn’t stay long, for he had to go upon the 
same business to Mr. Rogan’s ; but my dear mother, 
who didn’t know what to do to show her delight at 


222 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


John’s escape, insisted on his and the corporal’s 
coming back to dinner; and my father warmly 
backing her invitation, they willingly consented. 

“From that day the sergeant was a constant 
visitor at my father’s, all the time his party re- 
mained in the neighborhood. He was quite a 
favorite with my mother, who said that he was the 
most mannerly and sensible young man she ever 
saw — and so she might, for he was everything that 
was good, and wise, and noble, and manly. O ! 
sure the like of him never lived !” 

The widow paused, for a crowd of recollections 
rose before her mental eye that obscured the 
present, and, covering her face with her hands, she 
gave herself up to the associations of the buried 
past, while Norah and Denis sat looking at the 
fire, their minds evidently busy with the same 
subject. 

At length Mrs. Carroll looked up, and glancing 
at the little clock that ticked against the wall, 
perceived that Denis’ &• usual hour for retiring had 
fully come. She, therefore, reminded him that it was 
time they should separate, promising to continue 
her story on his next visit. Accordingly, he lost 
no time on the following evening, but the moment 
supper was over in his master’s kitchen, hastened 
to the widow’s cottage, where he found Norah 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 223 

watching for his arrival, as she, too, eagerly desired 
to hear her mother’s tale. 

Mrs. Carroll welcomed the Foundling with her 
customary greeting, and having, as usual, inquired 
after the health of “ the family,” took her seat near 
the fire, and, drawing her spinning-wheel towards 
her, resumed her narrative. 

“ Well,” said she, “ I told you how we got ac- 
quainted with Sergeant Carroll, and how he came 
to be a constant visitor at my father’s, and a great 
favorite of my dear mother’s, and, indeed, of every 
one’s — except, perhaps, poor Judith’s, and I’m sure 
she would have liked him, too, if it wasn’t on my 
account ; but she always seemed to see how the 
acquaintance would end, and, as he was a Pro- 
testant, she was greatly troubled about it. She 
had every opportunity for lecturing me, as we slept 
together ; and many a tear she made me shed during 
the short season that my mind was harassed on the 
subject. I don’t know how it was — for I’m sure 
there was nothing underhand in the sergeant’s man- 
ner, and I didn’t know how to hide anything — yet 
my father and mother never noticed our partiality ; 
but Judith soon found that Terence suspected as 
she did, and then they both alarmed the rest of the 
family. 

“ It’s not necessary to go through the particulars 


224 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


of that unhappy time ; it’s enough to tell you that 
the troubles of my life had now begun : I had met 
the man that was worthy of my heart’s best affec- 
tions, and yet he did not belong to that Church in 
which only I had been taught to believe salvation 
was to be found. 

“ Of course none of the family would hear of our 
being married. 

“ It was my mother the sergeant first spoke to 
about it ; but she, much as she liked him, shook 
her head, and said it could never be, and advised 
him to think no more of it. He then broke it to 
my father ; but he stopped him short, and told him 
angrily, that he’d rather lay me in the grave, and 
place the damp sods over me with his own hands. 
The boys said the same, and Judith piously prayed 
that I might die rather than that my soul should be 
polluted with the dreadful curse of heresy. 

“ Well, the recruiting party left the neighbor- 
hood, and they all thought at home that I would 
forget Sergeant Carroll; and Larry Rogan — that 
was an old admirer of mine — got every encourage- 
ment to come to the house. 

“ However, I got a letter from the sergeant, say- 
ing that his regiment was under orders for England, 
and that he would get leave of absence and come 
to see me before he’d go. His letter was like him- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


225 


self, full of true affection and honorable feeling, 
and I felt that I could give up the whole world 
for him ; for sure, the world had no one in it like 
him ! 

“ Well, he came, and my heart nearly broke at 
the thought of never seeing him again ; for he said 
that in all probability the regiment would be order- 
ed off on foreign service. 

“ My father and all the family were very glad to 
hear that he was going away — thinking, I suppose, 
that it would be the last of him ; but my attach- 
ment to him was not of so light a nature as they 
imagined ^ it was not merely a girlish fancy for 
a handsome man — though his goodly appearance 
often made my vain heart exult — but it was his 
great sense, his knowledge, and his manliness of 
character, that gave him a power over me that I 
knew no one else could ever possess, and that my 
acquaintance with his just and honorable spirit con- 
vinced me would always be exercised for my good. 
All this made it seem very hard to have to give him 
up ; but when he told me, in a low, sad voice, how 
very dear I was to him— that the going away from 
me brought back to his mind the anguish he had 
suffered at the loss of his mother — my whole heart 
melted, and the tears poured from my eyes. He 

would not, he said, tempt me to anything that was 
10 * 


226 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


not right ; but he did think that I was of an age to 
judge for myself, and, as my friends were satisfied 
with his character and respectability, and could find 
no fault with him except on the score of religion, he 
did not see that that was such a serious objection 
that my happiness and his need be sacrificed on 
account of it. 

“There’s no use in telling all that passed between 
us — though I remember it as well as if it was yes- 
terday ; but he convinced me that my duty to my 
parents didn’t require me to give up my own pref- 
erence altogether, in obedience to an unreasonable 
prejudice, that, after all, was more Judith’s than 
theirs, and my own feelings readily seconded his 
arguments. 

“ There was a great fuss at home when it was 
found that I had made up my mind to choose for 
myself, and marry Sergeant Carroll. My father 
told me if I disposed of niyself without his con- 
sent I should never cross his threshold again ; and 
Judith and Terence both vowed that, the moment I 
was the wife of a Protestant, I was nothing more 
to them, and that they would never speak to me, 
either in love or anger, or take the least notice of 
me while they lived. John said that he would 
never forgive me, or speak to me either ; but, as it 
was through his fault that I had got acquainted 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


227 


with the sergeant, he could not entirely turn his 
back on me : so, if ever I wanted help or kindness, 
I needn’t be afraid to apply to him. But my 
mother’s sorrow was harder to bear than all their 
threatening. She thought of nothing but the 
pain of losing me, and my father’s angry sentence 
that I should never enter the house again, drew 
floods of tears from her loving eyes. 

“ Well, we were married. The day seemed dark 
when I left my happy, comfortable home ; but my 
precious and idolized companion was able to make 
a desert look cheerful, and the grief and anger I 
had left behind me were partly lost sight of in the 
delightful hopes that warmed my heart. 

“ It happened that Mr. McFarlane, the school- 
master, was going to Dublin on some business, and 
as the sergeant was well acquainted with him, he 
asked him to let me go under his care. This the 
schoolmaster didn’t like to do ; for he thought, if he 
had any part in carrying me away, my family would 
never forgive him ; but he said he would meet us 
in the city, and see us married, and bring a certifi- 
cate home to my father ; and I was very thankful 
that, though I did run away with a Protestant, I 
had a creditable witness to bring word home that I 
was respectably married. 

“ I found I was expected at the barrack, and a 


228 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


nice room VYas ready for me ; for the sergeant had 
not married without the knowledge and approba- 
tion of his superiors ; and as he was generally 
esteemed in the regiment by both high and low, I 
was received on all sides with the utmost kindness 
and attention. Even some of the officers’ wives 
came to see me, and showed the kindest interest in 
my welfare. 

“ I was only a few weeks married, when the regi- 
ment removed to England, and was stationed in the 
busy and wicked town of Manchester, where every- 
thing was so strange to me, and the dark, smoky 
place was so unlike what I was used to, that I now 
felt indeed that I was away from home; and my 
heart sunk at the thought that the salt water lay 
broad and deep between me and the sweet, fresh 
air that I had grown up in. But I was not suffered 
to get low-spirited ; for I was tenderly watched 
and cheered, and even in gloomy Manchester my 
lot was a bright and happy one. Happy ! Oh ! 
how happy ! for my beloved companion was bet- 
ter to me than I ever expected. Father, mother, 
brothers, sisters were all made up to me in him, and 
in his dear society I could have been happy any- 
where. 

“ He never interfered with my religion. He had 
promised he would not, and he faithfully kept his 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


229 


word ; so, every Sunday I went to my own church, 
and he went to his. But I had not gone to confes- 
sion for some time before I left home, and I began 
to wish to return to my duty as usual ; so, after in- 
quiring about the priest that belonged to the chapel 
I attended, and what hours he sat, I went one 
evening, and, with an humble hope in God’s mercy 
and the clemency of the Church, told the story of 
my love and disobedience — for I had no other sins 
on my conscience — and begged the holy father to 
grant me absolution. But no such blessing was 
ready for me : I had committed a crime so heinous 
that his reverence could scarcely find words strong 
enough to describe it. It wasn’t the displeasure I 
had given my parents that shocked him so much, 
nor my going from their house into the wide world 
with a stranger ; but, worse still, I had been mar- 
ried in a Protestant church, and by a heretic min- 
ister, -This was the oflfense that roused his pious 
horror, and brought a volley of angry abuse upon 
me. I knew I had transgressed, but I did not know 
that my fault was so enormous as he made it out to 
be ; and, humbled and frightened, I covered my face 
with my hands, while I waited to hear the penance 
he would order me. But no penance was heavy 
enough to atone for my crime, unless I first ‘ gave 
up my wicked course’ — those were his words. He 


230 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


told me that I had never been married at all — that 
I was living in sin and shame — and that every night 
I was sleeping in the arms of the devil — those 
were his very words. I was frightened at his vio- 
lent anger before ; but now I was shocked and 
disgusted. I never heard anything so coarse and 
indecent before, and I couldn’t stand it ; so, before 
he had time to say any more, I sprung out of the 
confessional and hurried home. 

“I never knelt at a priest’s knee again. The next 
Sunday I took my noble husband’s arm, and went 
where he went ; and, from that day to this, his 
Church has been my Church, and his God my 
God. 

“Before we left Manchester, I got to like the 
smoky place ; for God sent me a beautiful boy there, 
and I felt so rich and happy that everything began 
to look bright. 

“We changed from Manchester to Portsmouth, 
and there Norah was born.” 

“Was Norah born in England?” inquired Denis, 
in surprise. 

“ Yes,” said the little girl, with a smile ; “ do you 
like me less for that?” 

“ No,” he murmured ; and, casting down his eyes 
with that peculiar air that always overshadowed 
him upon any reference to the subject, he mourn- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


231 


fully added, “ I don’t know where I was born 
myself.” 

“ 0, well,” said Mrs. Carroll, “ you know the old 
saying, ‘ a man is not a horse for being born in a 
stable,’ and I know you are both good friends to old 
Ireland no matter where you drew your first breath. 
As forNorah, she remembers nothing about England, 
for she was only three months old when she left 
it ; but I’m now come to the bitterest part of my 
story.” 

Her hearers resumed their attitude of attention, 
and she proceeded. 

“ Well, we lay for ten months in Portsmouth, and 
liked it very much. It was a nice place, and we all 
got excellent health there ; but the long-talked-of 
rout came at last, and the regiment was ordered to 
the Cape of Good Hope. The change was not agree- 
able to every one, and there were plenty of tears 
and complaints among the soldiers’ wives that were 
left at home ; while many that were going fretted 
at parting with their friends and relations. Biit 
there was nothing to grieve or afflict me ; and the 
bustle of embarking, and the little inconveniences 
of a ship-life, only seemed to me like amusing 
varieties. 

“We had a very pleasant voyage ; for we were 
blest with fine weather and favorable winds, and we 


232 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


had no sickness on board of any consequence. The 
sea air agreed well with my little family ; for we 
were all strong and hearty, and J ohnny, my precious 
little son, was just beginning to talk and run about, 
and a lovelier or more engaging little creature never 
lived. He was the pet and play-thing of the whole 
ship’s company, from the fine ladies in the cabin, to 
the rough sailors in the forecastle; and my poor 
heart was often puffed up with pride and vanity 
when I looked from him to his father, and saw no 
other man and child in the whole regiment like 
them — and they were both mine. 

“ It was just two months from the day we left 
England, when our good ship rode safely into Table 
Bay, and anchored outside of Cape Town. 

“ O, how happy I was that day ! As I stood on 
the deck and looked around me, I thought I never 
saw so beautiful a picture. The sparkling, silvery 
water sporting on one side, and the clean, pretty 
town, with the sunny hills beyond it, on the other, 
and the bright, blue sky over all. Every one was 
in high spirits ; and, full of hope and good humor, we 
went ashore, and settled ourselves contentedly in 
our new quarters. 

“Well, we were perfectly comfortable and happy 
— we had everything we could wish or desire, and 
the children throve apace. My darling Johnny was 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


233 


the admiration of every one that saw him, and the 
officers’ ladies were always sending for him to their 
apartments, and loading him with pretty presents. 
He was just two years old, and had safely got 
through all the trouble of teething, and was getting 
so fat and strong that you would have taken the 
longest lease of his life, when suddenly the measles 
broke out in the barracks, and my idolized boy was 
among the first to catch it. Norah soon took it from 
him, and I had the affliction of seeing both my lamb- 
kins suffering at once. However, it pleased the 
Lord that Norah had only a slight attack, and she 
soon recovered ; but my son, my pride, my hope, 
the image of his noble father, and the sunbeam of 
our humble home — he was too good for this world, 
and he was taken from it. 

“I did my best to keep down my dreadful sorrow, 
because it pained my affectionate husband to see it ; 
but it was no use — I couldn’t. Everything reminded 
me of my loss, and I cried day and night until my 
eyes sunk in my head, and the flesh melted from my 
bones. 

don’t know what would have become of poor 
Norah, only for the good nature of the women of the 
regiment, for I wasn’t able to attend to her or any- 
thing else ; but they all felt for me, and helped to 
nurse her ; and the ladies that had loved my little 


234 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


angel used to come and talk to me, and try to rouse 
me — indeed, every one pitied me, and had patience 
with me. As for the sergeant, it was then I proved 
more than ever the depth of his manly affection in 
his tender and indulgent sympathy ; and I was often 
ashamed to grieve his loving heart, and tried to keep 
up in his presence. 

‘‘ One evening I determined to be very good, and 
busied myself to get his tea ready, and then went 
and took Norah from the corporal’s wife, that used 
often to mind her, and came and sat down to wait 
for him. But he didn’t come home as soon as I 
expected, and the baby fell asleep in my lap, and 
my head sunk over her, and my thoughts got busy, 
and in a few minutes the tears were falling as fast 
as ever. Just then my husband came in, and, with 
a heavy sigh, he sat down beside me. 

“ ‘And so you haven’t forgiven the Lord yet,’ he 
said, quietly, ‘ for retaking his own ? O, my poor 
Mary ! he might lay his hand more heavily upon 
you.’ 

“A strange dread came over me ; but I wiped my 
eyes, and laid the baby in her cradle, and tried to 
be cheerful while I made the tea — for I saw by his 
manner that some fresh trial was in store for me, 
and I knew his affectionate heart was suffering on 
my account. Whatever it was, I determined to 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


235 


bear it like a woman, and not add any more to his 
trouble ; but when I heard it — though he told me 
in the most cautious manner, and glossed over the 
worst parts of it — all my good resolutions failed, and 
I fell into his arms terrified and distracted. And 
there was every reason for my distress; for my 
honored and adored husband was obliged to leave 
me on severe and dangerous duty, and there was no 
knowing how it might end. 

The savage Hottentots had lately come down 
upon the settled country, and done a great deal of 
mischief. The Dutch Boors attempted to beat them 
back, but only provoked them to greater violence ; 
and now the governor had ordered out a troop to 
put them down, and the company we belonged to 
was picked out. 

“ I struggled hard with my feelings, and did my 
best to keep up while the preparations were going 
on for the dreary, toilsome march. Even when my 
brave and noble husband took me in his arms for 
the last time, and kissed and blessed my baby and 
myself, and begged of me for her sake, for my own 
sake, and, more than all, for his sake, to try and 
keep hopeful and cheerful, I gulped down the chok- 
ing pain, and wildly promised that I would. 

“But, my gallant protector, my loving companion 
came back to me no more. 


236 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“A poisoned arrow struck his lordly temple, 
and—” 

The speaker broke down. A great part of her 
narrative had been told with difficulty — with tear- 
ful eyes and trembling voice ; but now she could 
get no further. The melancholy scenes in which 
her young affections had suffered, vividly appeared 
before her, and, sinking her face in her hands, the 
dreadful agony of her early bereavement again 
passed over her, rending and lacerating afresh her 
scarred and mutilated heart. Norah, also, was in 
tears, and Denis was almost as deeply affected. 

For some time the little party remained thus, 
until the angel of peace again brushed his light 
wing over the bruised spirit of the widow, and once 
more closed the gaping wounds of the past. 

“ This is the reason,” she faltered, lifting her head 
with a deep sigh, “ this is the reason, children, that 
I always put off talking on this subject, because I 
can’t control my feelings. But let me now finish. 

“ This last terrible misfortune broke my heart 
entirely ; and I only wanted to come home, and ask 
my mother to take care of my little girl, and then 
lay my poor head down in the church-yard. But 
when I came, I found that my mother and father 
were both dead, and the boys married — John living 
in the old place, and Terence keeping school in the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


237 


village ; and poor, mistaken Judith had taken her 
share and gone into a convent. 

“ I stopped at a lodging-house in the village until 
I’d hear how they’d act towards me at home; and 
I got a message from John to say that he would 
do anything at all to help me, and give me what- 
ever I might want, but, that he could neither see 
me nor ask me to the house, unless I would return 
to the safety and protection of the Church, which he 
heard I had quitted. 

‘‘So, there was an end to my dying under the 
same roof I had been born under, for, of course, I 
wouldn’t change my religion again ; besides, I was 
recovering my mind enough to consider that Sergeant 
Carroll’s child ought not to be reared a Catholic; 
and, instead of pining, and despairing, and dying, it 
was my duty to be praying to God to spare my life 
to bring her up in her father’s Church. But, oh! 
how lonely I felt, without friends or relations to 
turn to, and how dark and cold the whole world 
appeared. 

“ However, our merciful God, who has promised 
to be ‘ the husband of the widow, and the father of 
the fatherless,’ did not forget me in my double afflic- 
tion. Lady William heard my story, and came to 
see me, and brought me to the Park, and settled me 
nicely in the house, and said I must stay there until 


238 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


I quite recovered my health and spirits. And, in- 
deed, it was astonishing how they all brought me 
round ; for every one in the house, from the highest 
to the lowest, seemed to be trying who could be 
most good-natured both to me and to Norah. They 
never left me by myself; for I was either in the 
nursery or in the housekeeper’ s-room ; or, sometimes 
her ladyship would have me in her dressing-room, 
where she would talk to me, and read for me, about 
the goodness and love of God ; and how afflictions 
come from his hand ; and if we humbled ourselves, 
and prayed for grace to bear them patiently, they 
would be turned to blessings. 

“ But I could go on talking about that angel lady 
and her happy house all night; and I’m keeping 
you too late, Denis. So, I’ll just tell you that I 
stayed at Shannon Park until I was quite recovered 
from my gloomy despondency, and reconciled to my 
sad and lonely lot. Then I spoke to Lady William 
about doing something to support myself and my 
child ; when, to my great surprise, she told me that 
his lordship intended to give me this cottage and field 
as soon as I’d be able to take care of them. And 
here I have been ever since, and God always gave 
me plenty.” And she looked fondly at Norah as 
she added: “And, sure, I never can be thankful 
enough to Him for sparing my good child to me ; 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


239 


for, though I cannot forget her honored father, or 
speak of him with any kind of calmness, yet she 
and her sweet affection have refreshed my withered 
life, and, for her sake, the world looks fair again.” 

“ I wish I was as good as I ought to he, my own 
dear mother !” said the young girl, laying her head 
lovingly on the widow’s bosom, who, encircling her 
with her arms, pressed kiss upon kiss on her glowing 
lips. 

Denis felt it was a scene he had no part in ; and, 
softly rising, with a whispered blessing upon its 
gentle inmates, he quietly left the cottage. 


CHAPTER XI. 


Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? and why art thou dis- 
quieted within me ? Hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise 
him, who is the health of my countenance, and roy God . — Psalm 
42 : 11. 

The winter passed tranquilly and happily over 
sweet, secluded Friarsford. The young people of 
the several Protestant families were receiving the 
instructions of their pastor, preparatory to the 
solemn ordinance of confirmation — the bishop of 
the diocese being expected to administer that rite 
the following Easter in the principal church of the 
county town. Mr. Cunningham’s three eldest chil- 
dren and Denis Martin were among the first can- 
didates; and Norah Carroll, after some trembling 
hesitation on her part, was also pronounced eligible. 

It was a brilliant morning when the different 
vehicles of the Protestant community of Friarsford 
started forward with their young and blooming 
freights, who were about to be presented for admis- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


241 


sion into Christ’s visible Church. Denis drove his 
master’s car, and knelt beside his master’s son, to 
receive the episcopal benediction ; and little Norah 
went on a car of Lord William Shannon’s — two of 
them having been appropriated to convey the chil- 
dren of his lordship’s retainers. 

All inauguration ceremonies are imposing spec- 
tacles ; but none more so than that, when the young 
soul — personally ratifying the sacred vows, under- 
taken by proxy in infancy — is publicly invested 
with the solemn office of standard-bearer in the 
army of Immanuel ; and pledged, by an affirmation 
of allegiance, to wage continued war with the three 
great enemies of the Cross — the world, the flesh, and 
the devil. 

On the present occasion the solemn rite lacked 
none of its sublime importance. The venerable 
prelate, his hoary locks agreeing in their pure white 
with the snowy folds of his consecrated habit, his 
meek brow raised aloft, and his withered hand 
pressed lightly on each young head, while his aged 
voice in slow and trembling tones, besought the 
Holy Spirit’s influence upon each pliant heart, was 
himself alone, in his holy dignity, a fit study for an 
artist ; but when is added the many youthful forms, 
of both sexes, and of every rank, that knelt in timid 

awe around the altar-rails, and the attendant minis- 
11 


242 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


ters, also in their sacerdotal robes, each standing in 
the midst of his own particular flock, with the 
groups of anxious and affectionate relatives, in every 
attitude of absorbed attention, scattered around; 
while the sanctified temple itself, grand even in its 
unstudied simplicity, with its mixture of ancient and 
modern architecture — the latter raised to support 
the tottering decline of the former — all together 
formed a picture of impressive, holy beauty, which 
the world, in its pompous ceremonies, never could 
display. 

The following Sabbath the quaint old church of 
Friarsford, also, presented a fair and interesting 
scene ; for the sacramental table was surrounded by 
the babes of Christ’s household, who had come for- 
ward to partake of that bread which is “meat 
indeed,” and of that cup which is “ drink indeed.” 
It was a season of more than ordinary triumph to 
many a tender parent. And one there was of that 
young train, on whom, though no earthly parent 
looked with fond delight, who shall say that his 
sainted mother saw not from her throne in glory, 
and struck her harp with louder lay, and raised her 
voice in more joyous tone, as she beheld the object 
of her ^earthly solicitude a welcome guest at the 
Supper of the Prince of Life? 

The spring passed lightly on, and summer again 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


243 


unfolded her sweets, and breathed her balmy per- 
fumes over the glad earth. Mrs. Cunningham, in 
her usual health and spirits, rejoiced over the 
painted glories of the season — her lovely and amia- 
ble children laughingly declaring that the flowers 
were greater pets than they were — and the farmer 
himself exulted in luxuriant crops, rich meadows and 
pastures, and profitable stock. In the superintend- 
ence of the farming operations, his son James 
was now able to render him much valuable assist- 
ance ; while, in the inspection of domestic affairs, 
Martha and Eliza were equally useful to their 
mother. 

The education of the young people had been 
conducted without any view to display; so that the 
acquirement of merely ornamental accomplishments 
occupied no part of their time. During their child- 
hood they had attended the parochial school, which 
was the only Protestant seat of learning in the 
neighborhood, as Mr. Gallagher’s was the only 
Catholic one ; but as soon as they obtained the 
amount of knowledge disseminated there, they were 
withdrawn from it, and the schoolmaster, Mr. 
Maurice, engaged to visit them certain evenings of 
the week, to conduct them on into higher branches. 
Two of the younger children still attended school ; 
while the little ones, who were not yet able to walk 


244 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


SO far, took a primer-lesson every day at mamma’s 
knee. 

The ordinary routine of life at the farm continued 
the same ; and, save in the increase of the family, 
and the growing ages of the children, no change or 
variety had appeared for years. That sickness and 
death, and the many “ills that flesh is heir to,” 
kept at distance from their hearth, was a source of 
constant pious gratitude on the part of Mr. and 
Mrs. Cunningham, and no day passed that praise and 
thanksgiving did not ascend from their hearts for the 
mercies and blessings by which they were surrounded. 

Nor were their grateful acknowledgments testified 
by words alone ; but their ready desire “to do good 
and to communicate,” the cheerful benevolence 
with which they relieved distress whenever it pre- 
sented itself to them, and their generous hospi- 
tality in throwing open their doors to the stranger 
and the wayfarer, until their house obtained, through 
the country, the soubriquet of the “free hotel,” 
showed that it was not with lip-service alone that 
they repaid the gifts of heaven. So liberal, indeed, 
were the benefactions of this excellent pair, that 
they were judged by the sparing and selfish as lavish 
and profuse j and occasional doubts were expressed 
by some worldly-wise neighbor as to the results of 
such improvident philanthropy. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


245 


“ You’ll never be a rich man, Philip,” observed 
an old friend and schoolfellow to Mr. Cunningham, 
one day, in allusion to his ample generosity. 

“Rich!” responded the farmer; “I am rich. 
Come home and dine with me, and see the family 
that surrounds my table, and you’ll admit that 
there’s not a richer man in the county.” 

“ I know,” replied his companion, “ that you have 
a charming wife and lovely children, and it is on 
their account I speak to you, because I think in- 
stead of giving away all you have, you ought to lay 
by for them.” 

“ I am laying by for them,” was the prompt 
reply ; “ laying by handsomely for them, and my 
bank is beyond the stars.” 

“ Phoo, phoo ! the old story.” 

“ Yes, it is an old story, and a true one : ‘ He 
that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the 
Lord ; and that which he hath given will he pay 
him again.’ Do you doubt the inspired promise? 
I don’t. I would sooner doubt that the earth was 
solid under my feet. No, John! it is from the 
Lord’s hand I receive all I have ; and as long as 
he gives me plenty. I’ll share it, and trust him with 
my children’s fortunes.” 

“Well,” said his friend, “I suppose that’s what 
you call faith ; but I call it presumption.” 


246 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ Yes, I call it faith,” replied Cunningham, 
“ because God’s Word calls it so. Go home and 
open your Bible; I could tell you twenty places 
where the subject is treated, but I’ll only trouble 
you with one. Read from the fourteenth verse to 
the end of the second chapter of St. James’s Epistle, 
and you’ll see what true Christian faith is, and the 
kind of fruit it bears; and read the twenty-third 
verse carefully, and you’ll find that believing God is 
not counted presumption. He who owns ‘ the gold, 
and the silver, and the cattle upon a thousand hills,’ 
cannot want ; biit if he chooses to honor his serv- 
ants by borrowing from them, be assured, John, it 
is not presumption to trust him with the loan. 
And if ever you hear of a man professing to love 
and serve God, who shrinks from dividing his sub- 
stance with the poor, you may tell him that, ‘ as 
the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without 
works is dead also.’ ” 

Few changes had occurred in the neighborhood 
since the preceding summer, though Denis found 
some difference ; for, when the long, bright evenings 
returned, and he again sought his favorite seat on 
the bank of the marl-pit, no one shared it with 
him. Of the three youths who had so frequently 
borne him company in this retreat during the fore- 
going season, not one remained. Hugh Gallagher, 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


247 


who, from his quick intelligence and manly disposi- 
tion, in spite of their dissimilarity of creeds, was 
quite a favorite with our hero, had left the parish 
on a visit to his maternal uncle, the titular bishop 
of a distant diocese ; and Tim Flanagan, no longer 
the leaning, self-distrustful creature of former years, 
had taken the bold resolution of improving his 
fortune by crossing the channel, and assisting in 
making the hay and gathering the harvest of the 
sister kingdom ; and when he was gone Denis felt 
really lonely, and his evening visits to Mrs. Carroll’s 
cottage were more frequent than ever. 

At midsummer, the usual yearly examination of 
the Sabbath-school pupils took place in the church. 
This was the great event of the year to many of the 
young Protestants of the parish, and immense pre- 
parations were undergone for it — handsome rewards 
being held forth as incentives to the attainment of 
Scripture knowledge, the winning of which was the 
acme of many a young heart’s ambition. Besides, 
at the close of the examination, a fete champetre 
was always given at Shannon Park, which was a 
scene of enjoyment to the juvenile rustics that they 
had no other opportunity of participating in. 

Upon the last two or three occasions, James Cun- 
ningham had stood above competition for the head 
premium ; but within the present year he had been 


248 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


appointed teacher, and now a struggle for preemi- 
nence was expected between several boys of almost 
equal attainments. Of these latter, Denis Martin 
was one ; but so little display had ever been made 
by the lowly lad, that his triumph was not antici- 
pated. True, he had twice taken the second-class 
premium ; but, in the first class, to which he had 
lately been promoted, two or three of the boys were 
older, and possessed of greater advantages than him- 
self, so that, though he must stand amongst them 
in the ensuing examination, he did not hope, nor 
did they much fear, that he would excel. Never- 
theless, when the trying hour came, and the most 
strenuous efforts were put forth to give correct and 
satisfactory answers to the questions propounded by 
the examiner, the Foundling was not left behind ; 
and at length, after a severe and tedious ordeal, the 
head premium was deliberately adjudged to Denis 
Martin. We do not say that the feeling that rose 
to the breast of each of the disappointed candidates, 
when they saw the palm of victory borne off by a 
comparative stranger, was not akin to envy ; but no 
sentiment was given utterance to but that of con- 
gratulation — though every one made the private 
resolution to study more sedulously than ever during 
the ensuing year, so as to be more successful at the 
next examination ; while, at the same time, the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


249 


chagrin of their failure was ameliorated by the admi- 
ration which their superior answering had elicited ; 
and Lord William, who took a personal interest 
in their success, expressed the highest approbation 
of the manner in which they had acquitted them- 
selves — telling them that, though they could not all 
obtain the premium, yet they might enjoy the re- 
ward of knowing that they had every one displayed 
a fund of useful and valuable information, that did 
honor to the school in which they had been in- 
structed, and to the church to which they belonged. 

The girls, also, came off with credit. Even those, 
who failed to obtain prizes, approaching so near the 
mark as to win the most gratifying encomiums upon 
their merits. But triumphs and disappointments 
were alike forgotten as winners and losers hastened, 
with equal delight, to the elegant entertainment 
prepared for them at the Park. A beautiful and 
romantic spot had been selected, at the opening of 
a picturesque little dell, through which a narrow 
stream wound its graceful way, murmuring com- 
plaints of the rugged path it meandered, while the 
rocks and trees on either side rested their shadows 
on its shining bosom. Here, on the soft, green turf, 
and beneath a spacious awning, large tables were 
arranged and abundantly spread with all the whole- 
some delicacies that the place and the season could 
11 * 


250 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


afford. No foreign luxuries loaded the board, to pall 
the appetites and vitiate the tastes of the simple 
rustics ; but the produce of their own fertile valley, 
fresh, and tender, and sweet, and served in the nicest 
and most delicate style, partaken with a healthy 
relish, and accompanied by social enjoyment, was a 
feast, indeed, that an anchorite might be tempted to 
indulge in. 

The long evening was devoted to pleasure of 
various kinds, according to the tastes and inclina- 
tions of the youthful company — their noble host 
and hostess having placed every means of enjoyment 
within their reach — and eager and delighted groups 
spread themselves over the elegant demesne, wan- 
dering, with admiration, among the beauties of the 
gardens and grounds, and inspecting, with lively 
interest, the different objects that attracted the 
favorite regard of each ; and a game of cricket, in 
which the elder boys displayed their activity and 
skill, also added excitement to the evening’s pleasure. 

At a proper hour they were again summoned to 
table, where tea and cakes awaited them. Shortly 
after the conclusion of this meal, the whole school 
repaired to the lawn, where music and singing, in 
which Lord William’s family and visitors condescend- 
ingly took part, closed the entertainments of a happy 
and cloudless day ; and the young party retired to 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


251 


their homes, each glad and grateful breast feeling a 
fresh stimulus to persevere in the way which brought 
peace, and content, and the approbation of God and 
man. 

From this day, Denis was an object of more marked 
notice to the clergymen and enlightened Protestants 
of the neighborhood than heretofore. That he was 
superior to the class of which he was ostensibly a 
member, his whole demeanor had ever testified ; but 
now, that the fruits of deep contemplation and self- 
culture appeared conspicuous — even above the 
sparklings of talent, and the emanations of learning 
occasionally displayed by his more fortunate com- 
peers of the Sabbath-school — the advantages of mind 
over outward circumstances were tacitly acknow- 
ledged, and Denis Martin, the laborer and the found- 
ling, was invested with respectability in the eyes 
of those whose social sphere he was so far beneath. 

In the estimation of his master’s family he had 
continued to rise higher and higher, until he now 
stood more in the place of an humble friend than in 
that to which the rules of society had consigned 
him. True, he was yet a servant, and an appren- 
tice; but his service was so faithfully performed, 
and his apprenticeship so submissively fulfilled, that 
no necessity ever occurred for reminding him of his 
real position. 


252 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Thus, we see, it is possible for those in the lowest 
station to obtain for themselves a tenure on the good- 
will of their betters, by which the evils of their lot 
are abated, and they remain but nominally occu- 
pants of life’s extreme vale. 

The season of boyhood was rapidly passing away, 
and our hero was nearing the golden age of incipient 
manhood ; but no change was perceptible in his 
tastes and feelings. He still followed the same pur- 
suits, and sought the same companionships. With 
Protestant Byrne and his kind-hearted wife he spent 
many a social hour, in cheerful, but serious, con- 
versation ; and often were the Scriptures read and 
commented upon to the simple old couple — his own 
soul being edified as much as theirs. 

At the pretty cottage of Mrs. Carroll he also con- 
tinued his intimacy ; and, not only was the widow’s 
garden the better for his frequent visits, but the 
mind of Norah, naturally meek and docile, gave un- 
mistakable evidence that her mother had not been 
unwise in encouraging her constant intercourse with 
one so mentally cultivated. 

It was Denis who read with her those books which 
she, from time to time, was lent from the parish 
library, and encouraged and assisted her in the pro- 
secution of inquiries, which she else would have 
passed by as beyond her capacity ; and, through his 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


253 


means, difficulties were made smooth before her, and 
her taste for, and delight in, intellectual improve- 
ment increased and advanced as success rewarded 
her efforts. She was a girl of a timid and retiring 
nature ; and, though neither wanting in understand- 
ing, nor slow of apprehension, yet, so very humble 
was her opinion of her own abilities, that the voice 
of kindness, and the influence of a stronger mind, 
were needful to lure her on, and bear her up in the 
pursuit of knowledge. In good sense and correct- 
ness of ideas she was not deficient ; and, that she 
betrayed indications of her mental powers being 
above mediocrity, Mr. Maurice, with whom she was 
a great favorite, always averred. But her chief 
charm was her gentle, humble, truthful piety, her 
modest self-distrust, and her unbounded reverence 
for her mother, which made her appear so simple 
and childlike, that weakness of intellect was some- 
times attributed to her by those who had not much 
discrimination in reading character. 

It was about this time that the usually even cur- 
rent of her young life was suddenly disturbed, and 
a calamity, as cruel as unexpected, stared her in the 
face. Heretofore, Mrs. Carroll, though never very 
robust, had generally enjoyed a tolerable degree of 
health, so that the probability of being deprived of 
her valued society and protection never for a moment 


254 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


marred the happiness of her innocent and loving 
child ; and Norah had always contemplated abiding 
with and leaning on her justly-honored mother, 
“ through all the changing scenes of life,” whatever 
they might be. 

It was, therefore, a trial of no ordinary nature, to 
both mother and daughter, when the former was 
attacked with a dangerous disease, which seemed to 
defy the efforts of the physician to check its pro- 
gress, and threatened to put a speedy termination to 
her useful and exemplary life. 

Norah’s sole impulse, in this trying hour, was to 
perform her duty to the sick, now tenfold more dear 
than ever, and night and day found the affectionate 
girl in zealous and active attendance at the bedside 
of the sufferer — not even relinquishing her post when 
the neighbors kindly entreated to be permitted to 
take her place while she obtained a little rest ; and 
had not Mrs. Cunningham interposed her influence 
to induce her to withdraw from the sick chamber 
for a short respite, while Peggy Byrne took faithful 
charge there, the painfully-anxious child would not 
have remitted her exertions until nature had sunk 
exhausted, and, probably, her own health become 
the forfeit of her filial devotion. But even in those 
intervals, when tender force compelled her to seek 
repose, the kind intention was defeated by the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


255 


excessive grief that found vent the moment she was 
alone. 

The thought of losing her only and fondly beloved 
parent was a trial too great for her young heart to 
bear ; and to look out on the wide world without 
those loving arms to shield, and that maternal 
bosom to support her languid frame, it seemed a 
wilderness too bleak for the mental glance to en- 
dure ; and throes of anguish and despair rent her 
labored breast, until overcharged humanity laid 
down the bitter burden, and a stupor of her think- 
ing powers succeeded their unnatural tension. 

Throughout the neighborhood the Widow Car- 
roll’s illness, and her daughter’s trouble, were sin- 
cerely sympathized with ; and the circumstances in 
which the latter should be placed, in case of her 
mother’s death, was the subject of friendly con- 
sideration, though no one knew with what harrow- 
ing anguish the supposition of the dreadful change 
was regarded by the poor girl herself, and the strong 
moral effort it cost her to restrain her agonized feel- 
ings in the sick chamber. It happened, unfortun- 
ately, that Lord and Lady William Shannon were 
absent from the country, having proceeded to the 
continent a short time previous with their eldest 
daughter, whose health required change of climate. 
Had they been at home, Norah would not have 


256 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


wanted comforting assurances of continued protec- 
tion and regard, to the alleviating of her grief and 
despondency; but now, though several ladies had 
expressed their willingness to take her into their 
houses if the worst should happen, her diseased 
imagination conjured up all sorts of trials as await- 
ing her, and a home and a heart to love her she 
expected never more to enjoy. 

One evening, just as supper was over in Mr. Cun- 
ningham’s kitchen, Denis Martin received word from 
the parlor that Miss Eliza was going to see Mrs. 
Carroll, and wanted him to attend her. He accord- 
ingly hastened to the hall, where a basket was put 
into his hand by his mistress, which he was to carry 
to the widow’s ; and the young lady having gone 
on, he started forward at a quick pace to overtake 
her. 

Denis had not neglected his friends in their time 
of trouble, and every evening saw him at the cot- 
tage making inquiries, though he seldom entered the 
house, and never stayed more than a few minutes ; 
but he invariably walked in the garden, now entirely 
forgotten by Norah, watering and tending the once 
cherished pets, so that, if health and happiness should 
return to their owners, no appearance of neglectful 
decay might sadden the cheerful aspect around 
them. Upon the present occasion he merely fol- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


257 


lowed his young mistress in until he heard, in 
answer to her inquiries, that no favorable symptom 
had as yet appeared in the patient’s malady. Not 
caring to hear any more, he then asked the young 
lady’s permission to wait outside for her, and, de- 
livering the basket to Mrs. Byrne, who was almost 
constantly at the cottage, with melancholy thought- 
fulness retired. At first he moved mechanically 
through the flower-beds, picking an odd seedling- 
weed from amongst them, until, in approaching the 
end of the house, which was covered with luxuriant 
myrtles, he suddenly found himself face to face with 
Norah. 

The young girl had been prevailed upon, about 
an hour before, to enter her little chamber in order 
to obtain some rest, with a solemn promise that, 
upon the slightest change in her mother, she should 
be summoned ; but, instead of laying herself down 
to repose, as Mrs. Byrne fondly believed, she had 
seated herself in the open window, and had remained 
there ever since — her mind occupied in drawing 
dark pictures of her lone and wretched fate were 
her beloved parent to be removed from her. 

Denis was shocked at the pallor of her gentle 
face, and the air of deep dejection that pervaded it 
as she raised her head on his approach. 

I am sorry to see you looking so very ill, 


25S 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Norah,” said the young man, in tones of the softest 
sympathy. “ You are sorely tried, poor thing ; but 
surely you know you are in the hands of Provi- 
dence.” 

“Indeed, Denis,” she replied, raising her eyes with 
touching penitence to his face, “ I have been very 
rebellious — murmuring at the will of God — angry 
because he smote the gourd that sheltered my head. 
Oh, that I had stronger faith!” and she clasped 
her hands, while tears rolled down her sunken 
cheeks. 

“ Faith enables us to trust our Heavenly Father 
under all his dispensations,” observed Denis, gently ; 
“ but, perhaps, you judge yourself too severely. We 
are not forbidden to feel the thorns that strew the 
narrow path ; nor are the tears of affliction always 
interpreted as signs of rebellion. You have read of 
one sufferer, who, in the hour of sorrow, wept tears 
of blood, , and earnestly prayed that the cup of 
anguish might pass from him ; yet ‘ his spirit was 
willing, though the flesh was weak.’ Poor humanity 
will shrink from the fire of affliction, and it is not 
sin to do so ; but we must exercise such faith as we 
have — it may not be strong, yet even a feeble trust 
in God’s wisdom and love will bring comfort, and 
show us that his ‘grace is sufficient’ for us.” 

“ I know, I know,” said Norah. “ I believe my 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


259 


Lord’s promises and she rested her hand reverently 
on her Bible that lay open on the window-sill, as 
she falteringly continued : “ if he takes my dear 
mother from me, he ‘ will not leave me comfortless.’ 
He has a place prepared for me — if not in this 
bleak world, I shall find it in his own bright realm 
of glory.” 

Just then, in drawing the Bible towards her, a 
slip of paper that was beneath it became exposed ; 
and Denis, whose elbow was resting beside it, 
observing that it contained some verses written with 
pencil, took it up, and read as follows : 

“ I go to prepare a place for you .” — John 14 : 2. 

Though here, unvalued and unloved, I pine. 

Not e’en a wreath of hope my brow to twine, 

Without a name or heritage I roam. 

Thou dost prepare for me my future home. 

Yes, in thy Father’s house, “ not made with hands,” 
Eternal, in the land above all lands— 

Where suns ne’er set, and .clouds ne’er intervene. 

And trees ne’er lose their robes of living sheen. 

Oh, yes ! though grief and pain assault me here. 

And though mine eyes be dimmed with many a tear, 
Although my brow receive the stamp of care, 

My Saviour doth for me a place prepare. 

Then give me faith to lean upon thy Word, 

That doth such gracious promises afford. 

Lord, I believe, and cry with suppliant grief. 

Help thou thy weakest handmaid’s unbelief. 


260 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Denis knew that Norah sometimes produced po- 
etic trifles, a few of which he had seen ; but none 
of them had ever affected him as this did — the 
utter abandonment of earthly hope which it breath- 
ed, struck coldly upon the young man’s heart. 

“0, Norah I” he exclaimed, with emotion, “you 
must not give way to such excessive melancholy. 
The world is not so cruel as you suppose, and even 
if it were, you need never be exposed to it and 
his voice became softer, and he sunk down lower 
until his lips nearly touched her ear, as he added : 
“ I know one who would be rejoiced to bear the 
roughest storms of life in your behalf — one who has 
had neither mother nor sister to love, and has be- 
stowed the whole sum of his affections upon you — 
whose sole happiness would be to make you happy, 
and whose solitary heart covets no other treasure 
than your regard. Can you guess who he is, Norah ?” 

The young girl neither moved nor spoke ; for a 
strange, new feeling agitated her bosom, and a wild 
throbbing started every pulse. The sensation she 
felt was not an unpleasant one — ^it was as if soft 
sunlight had entered her heart, and caused a tumult 
as it dispersed the gloomy clouds that had reigned 
there; but her utterance was choked — she could 
not give expression to a single word, though Denis 
waited with intense anxiety for a reply to his modest 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


261 


avowal. But he soon perceived the emotion that 
shook her inward life, and clasped her hand tenderly 
in his, as he fondly whispered : 

“ Only look up, dearest, and give me one of your 
own sweet smiles, and I shall be content.” 

With a sudden effort she threw back her head, a 
smile such as had not visited it for weeks over- 
spread her wan features, and the next moment her 
face was bowed on her hands in a deluge of grate- 
ful tears. 

Eliza Cunningham was now heard calling Denis ; 
so, bending over the weeping girl, he whispered a 
tender good-night, pressed a light kiss upon her 
tear-damped fingers, and then hastened to the cot- 
tage-door, where the young lady awaited him. 

But the Lord, who sometimes lets his children 
down to the confines of the grave, that he may 
show his great power and mercy in bringing them 
up again, was graciously pleased to restore Mrs. 
Carroll to life and health. 

On the following day the doctor announced that 
the crisis of her malady was passed, and that he 
now had hope of her ultimate recovery, though it 
might be difficult and protracted. 

From that day Norah’s unnatural melancholy dis- 
appeared, and her health proportionably increased; 
so that, before her mother was able to sit up, the 


262 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


roses had returned to her cheeks, and the lustre to 
her eyes. 

As soon as the widow could be trusted without 
night attendance, her daughter, who declared her- 
self as strong and hearty as ever, resumed the care 
of her — Mrs. Byrne still looking in every day to see 
that all was right. And the mother’s heart was 
gladdened by the affectionate alacrity which antici- 
pated her every want, and endeavored to excite 
wishes merely for the pleasure of gratifying them. 

“ Would you like me to read to you, mother, 
darling?” inquired Norah one evening, as she took 
her usual seat by the bedside, after having adminis- 
tered some little nourishment. 

“ No, sweet, not now,” was the fond reply. 
“ You’re always reading to me, and I’m afraid 
you’ll get tired of it ; but lay down your head 
here and talk to me awhile. Tell me how you got 
on while I was so very sick. I’m afraid you had a 
sad, dreary time, my poor child !” 

“ The saddest part of it was the dread of losing 
you,” replied the girl, as she affectionately kissed 
the invalid ; “ and I’m afraid it won’t please you to 
hear how rebellious I was on the subject. But 
when I looked out on the great, cold world, and 
thought of having to walk it without you, my heart 
nearly broke.” And then, pressing her soft young 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


263 


cheek against the end of the pillow, and placing 
her trembling hand within that of her mother, she 
began and recounted all she had felt and suffered, 
from the first suffocating shock with which she had 
heard of her beloved parent’s danger, to the ecstatic 
delight under which she almost fainted when the 
kind physician announced that that danger was 
past. It was with many pauses and in broken 
sentences that the whole was told ; and when she 
came to that part which related to Denis Martin, 
her timid voice almost died away. “ But now, I 
have you back again, dear mother,” she said in con- 
clusion, “ and as long as you are spared to me I 
don’t want any one else.” 

Mrs. Carroll was not surprised to hear her daugh- 
ter’s tale. She knew her gentle, clinging nature, 
and could understand the shrinking prostration of 
her spirit when the world’s fierce breath threatened 
to blow against her unsupported head. Neither did 
she wonder that the youth, whose unspoken regard 
she so long had proved, should come .forward in the 
hour of trial, and offer the little trembler his manly 
heart to lean against. Yet the emotions of a true 
and loving mother were not unfelt, as her dewy 
eyes rested on her fair but vine-like child, and the 
consciousness pressed upon her that it would be 
well to resign to a firmer arm than her own the 


264 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


duty of bearing her up in the rough blasts of life. 
The widow had too much sense to succumb to 
the conventionalities of society in a matter of such 
vital importance as the selection of the person who 
was to succeed herself in the guardianship of her 
beloved daughter. And though, in the neighbor- 
hood, where her family were known to be respect- 
able, and her own merits had gained for her the 
highest consideration, she might, if she had encour- 
aged them, have obtained more shining offers ; yet 
she knew none to whom she would so willingly 
confide the precious trust, as to him who, in spite 
of the mystery and obloquy that clouded his birth, 
possessed the qualities of mind and heart which 
rendered him most worthy of it. 

It was not without being conjectured by the 
neighbors how Denis’s intimacy at Mrs. Carroll’s 
would end. There was, therefore, no surprise 
manifested when it became known that he was 
the accepted lover of the widow’s daughter, with 
her mother’s .hearty approbation. And the an- 
nouncement seemed to give general satisfaction; 
though amongst the young men a few there were 
who thought “ the girl might have done better 
but there were no remarks very derogatory to our 
hero, whose conduct made him too respectable to 
be assailed even by jealousy— -and some of the old 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


265 


women, who gave their wise opinions, asserted that, 
“if the thruth could out, Dinny Martin wasn’t what 
he seemed.” 

Mrs. Carroll’s health being once more reestab- 
lished, matters fell again into their usual even 
course. 

Denis’s evening visits to the cottage were no 
longer restricted to a low tap at the door, and a 
whispered inquiry ; but he again formed one of the 
domestic group, with the additional happiness of 
a fiance. 

To Norah’s mental eye the sun shone with 
brighter lustre than ever ; and a charm was spread 
over her life’s disk that love alone could bestow. 
She knew not, herself, in her childlike innocence, 
that the fullness of her happiness was to be 
attributed to anything more than her mother’s 
restoration; and it was long before the artless girl 
discovered that any other than filial love held a 
paramount place in her little unsophisticated heart. 
That she should like Denis better than any of the 
young men around, seemed quite natural ; for he 
had always been so kind to her, and he was so affec- 
tionate and so respectful to her mother. And then, 
he liked her so much, and had such winning little 
ways of showing it. How thoughtfully he drew 

her shawl around her when they lingered in the 
12 


266 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


garden until after sunset, and how softly he set her 
right when she took an incorrect view of any sub- 
ject. He was like an elder brother to the father- 
less girl — a tender and wise one — and she looked 
up to him as such, without being able to realize 
that any nearer or dearer connection could possibly 
subsist between them. 

And so sped on the gay and peaceful hours, laden 
with holy and intellectual sweets. And time, that 
had so lately dragged heavily through his sad 
routine, now lightly tripped his merry rounds, 
and shook hands with laughing nature as he flew 
along. 


CHAPTER XII. 


The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul : the testi- 
mony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart ; the 
commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes . — Psalm 
19 : 7 , 8 . 

Denis was now an important auxiliary to Mr. 
Cunningham ; for, besides his indefatigable industry 
on the farm, his steady habits, and conscientious 
care of the horses rendered him a most efficient 
market assistant : so he was frequently intrusted 
to drive the loads of produce to Dublin. 

One day, as he was bustling hurriedly through 
the city on some errands, while his horses rested in 
the stable of an inn, he heard his name called, and, 
suddenly stopping, found himself face to face with 
a young man about his own age, and dressed in 
clerical garb. It was but a moment until he had 
recognized and heartily returned the salutation of 
his quondam controversial antagonist, Hugh Gal- 


268 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


lagher. Their mutual pleasure was great at this 
unexpected meeting, as it was more than two years 
since they had seen or heard from each other, and 
there was much to ask and to tell on both sides. 

“ I heard you had gone to your uncle’s,” said 
Denis, “ and I thought you were still there.” 

“Yes, I have been at my uncle’s until very 
lately,” replied Hugh, “ and hereby hangs a tale ; 
but you are on business, let me accompany you, 
and we can talk as we go along.” And, putting his 
arm within that of Denis, they proceeded through 
the streets together, when the following singular 
narrative was unfolded : 

At the time when Hugh, in his desire to over- 
turn Denis’s creed, imposed upon himself the task 
of perusing the Bible in order to furnish himself 
with Scripture texts opposed to the doctrines and 
principles of Protestantism, he had not a shadow 
of doubt that his own beloved Church was the 
genuine structure built by Christ on the rock of 
everlasting Truth. 

But as, day by day, he pored over its sacred pages 
and failed to find what he so earnestly sought, he 
began to have misgivings whether he was really 
on the right side after all ; though still he read on, 
with an intense hope that the Church he had grown 
up in, and around whose traditions every fibre of his 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


269 


heart was woven, would prove to be the veritable 
ark of safety he had supposed. But alas ! after the 
most elaborate and painstaking search, no such 
conviction ensued. 

At once, his strong sense of honor led him to feel 
indignant at the deception he had suffered, and prac- 
ticed upon others, in believing and zealously main- 
taining the validity of that faith which he could not 
discover to be supported by the Divine Oracles. 
And dauntlessly he avowed his sentiments to his 
father, to the horror and despair of that worthy 
Catholic — the height of whose ambition had ever 
been to see his son in the blessed robes of a priest. 

Nor could he give up the proud wish of his heart, 
though Hugh boldly and vehemently declared that 
the gates of Maynooth he would never enter. Mr. 
Gallagher, in his distress, hastily wrote to his brother- 
in-law, Bishop Magrath, for counsel in the trying 
affair. In reply to which, the right-reverend gentle- 
man sent a most gracious and hospitable invitation 
to his nephew to visit him for a season. 

Hugh was much pleased to accept his uncle’s in- 
vitation, as it offered an escape from his father’s 
bitter anger, and presented, to his inexperienced 
mind, the sanguine hope of being able to convince 
his reverend relative of the justness and consistency 
of his late change of belief. He, therefore, pro- 


270 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


ceeded immediately to the bishop’s residence, where 
he was most cordially received, and, for "the first 
evening, entertained with the utmost attention and 
kindness. But, on the following day, he was sum- 
moned to his uncle’s study to be examined as to the 
nature of the heresy which he had imbibed. A long 
and earnest conversation ensued, during which the 
titular prelate several times let loose his temper 
and curbed it again ; and in the end it only appeared 
that, the young man, having appealed to the Scrip- 
tures for indubitable proofs of his Church’s boasted 
authenticity, instead of the confirmation he desired, 
had discovered that the most leading articles of her 
faith were not in agreement with that standard. 
He therefore resolved, manfully and perseveringly, 
to retrace his steps from the labyrinth into which he 
had been misled; and, without any other guide or 
teacher than the Word of Truth, to pick his cautious 
way into the path of life. 

At length, having penetrated his nephew’s mind, 
and found him as immovable in his new opinions as 
if he had retained them for years, the bishop gra- 
dually recovered his calmness, and broke up the 
conference, having first, in tones of deep humility, 
expressed his pious intention of performing prayers 
and penances for the reconversion of his fallen and 
retrograde relative. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


271 


The next morning Hugh found himself a prisoner 
in his chamber ; and there he remained, while every 
art, every means were resorted to, to bring him back 
to his former sentiments. But vain were the endea- 
vors. Hugh possessed a mind as pertinacious and 
inflexible in his hold of conviction, as he had been 
tardy and cautious in receiving it. Bribes and 
threats were equally useless — he was neither to be 
cajoled nor intimidated. 

Keluctantly, when he became satisfied of its errors, 
he had taken from his heart the creed of his fathers, 
and substituted in its room the pure Gospel of 
Christ, as promulgated by himself, and published 
by his Apostles ; and hfs reason once fully persuaded, 
no power on earth could influence him. 

But the religious principles of the young neophite 
received no injury from the harsh treatment under 
which he suflered. Close confinement and hard 
fare, which at first aroused in him angry and rebel- 
lious feelings, gradually brought down his proud 
spirit to a consideration of earthly good in com- 
parison with the infinite and stupendous amount of 
bliss laid up for those who “ endure to the end 
and the long days and nights of dreary solitude, 
which at first were intolerable, afibrded him oppor- 
tunities for meditation and prayer, by which his 
prison chamber became lighted from above, and 


272 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


streams of grace flowed into his waiting soul, under 
whose genial influence strength, patience, and cour- 
age grew into vigorous maturity ; and the frail and 
slender youth became a man in understanding and 
in faith. His cruel lot ceased to be a punishment ; 
for the power of Divine love rested upon him, and 
his lonely apartment became a court where he held 
audience with the King of Glory. 

His incensed and bigoted uncle had no further 
power to persecute ; for the fire refused to hurt, and 
“ Om like unto the Son of God” walked with him 
through the flame. 

Years have since passed away, and the loud buzz 
of human applause has filled the air around him ; 
and eulogy, and admiration, and honor, and fame 
have conspired to render his name immortal ; but 
the happiest hours of Hugh Gallagher’s life were 
spent in that martyr prison ! 

Thus a year was passed, and the bishop, instead 
of relenting, or becoming weary of his inquisitorial 
office, appeared more zealously determined to con- 
tinue his rigorous discipline, until his goaded and 
worried victim should be forced to surrender to the 
Romish yoke. But the stricken youth had a Power 
to sustain him that his tormentor knew nothing of ; 
and strength was given him as his need required, 
until Providence, was pleased to turn his captivity. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


273 


One day the vigilance of his jailer inadvertently 
relaxed. The crushed spirit of the captive bounded 
with hope, and, moved by a sudden impulse, he 
rushed from his prison, and, through opposing diffi- 
culties that he afterwards looked back upon with 
astonishment, reached the king’s highway, a free 
agent once more. There he knelt down, and, in the 
open road, rendered thanks to the Father of Mercies 
for all his benefits, especially this last, and humbly 
besought his further guidance and help to bear him 
the remainder of life’s journey through. 

He was many miles from Dublin — the goal to 
which he desired to flee — and his empty pockets, 
worn and imperfect garb, and weak and wasted 
frame, were in no condition for traveling ; but the 
warm-hearted country-folk, to whose best feelings 
his emaciated appearance and genteel air strongly 
recommended him, rendered him all needful assist- 
ance, and, on the third day from that on which he 
effected his escape, he entered Dublin, and, hasten- 
ing to the office of the “Priest’s Protection Society,” 
related his sad tale, entreating refuge and succor. 

Not being an ordained priest, he did not come 
under the provision of the society ; but his case was 
too interesting not to excite sympathy, and he soon 
found himself surrounded by friends and patrons, all 

anxious to assist in forwarding his views, and pre- 
12 * 


274 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


senting the most flattering offers of profit and 
advancement to his consideration. 

But Hugh Gallagher had only one desire — and 
that was, that he might be worthy to labor in his 
Lord’s vineyard. He was grateful for the kind- 
ness of which he was the recipient, and under the 
substantial tokens of which his fresh and manly 
vigor soon returned ; but he could accept of no 
favor or benefit that would prevent or interfere with 
his devoting himself to his Master’s work. He had 
had no teacher to instruct him in the reformed faith, 
therefore, to no particular branch of it was he 
attached. From the Bible alone had he learned the 
creed which he now professed, and by its divine 
directions had he entered the glorious liberty of the 
children of God. His views, therefore, of the minis- 
terial office were of the simplest and most primitive 
kind ; and his desire was, if he should be permitted 
to preach the Gospel to his fellow-creatures, that it 
might be as the founder of Christianity himself had 
done, and his early followers — as an humble, devoted, 
and indefatigable itinerant. 

The churchmen, in whose hands he chiefly was, 
to their credit be it recorded,- made no attempts 
to influence his mind in this particular. It was 
enough for them that he was in the ranks of those 
who “ protested against the errors of Popery,” no 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


276 


matter to which division of the protesting body 
he attached himself ; and though they could have 
wished that one so gifted and so holy, as he evi- 
dently was, should serve in their own corps, yet 
they respected his motives and principles too highly 
to wish to gainsay them, and, with true brotherly 
kindness, they bid him god-speed on his projected 
course. 

The Wesleyan Methodists being the only com- 
munity whose clergy regularly practice itineracy, 
to that people he was introduced ; and, at the next 
District Meeting of the Dublin Circuit, his case 
was brought under consideration. The genuineness 
of his conversion was carefully examined into, and 
his call to the ministry made the subject of prayer- 
ful deliberation, and it was finally decided to send 
him to the ensuing London Conference,, with recom- 
mendations for admittance, on trial, as a traveling 
preacher. 

The young man had now but one regret, namely, 
that he could not have the pleasure of preaching 
the Gospel to his beloved countrymen: but his 
personal safety would not have been secure in any 
part of the country where his bigoted uncle pos- 
sessed influence. It was, therefore, deemed expe- 
dient to send him across the Channel, where, by 
being appointed to some distant circuit, he might 


276 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


effectually evade the wrath of Romanism, and his 
usefulness be unimpeded by the fear of danger. 

All this Denis heard, as, with his friend’s arm 
within his, he walked the crowded streets ; and 
obliged occasionally to interrupt the narrative as he 
performed his several commissions. He rejoiced at 
the conversion of one whose superior talents would 
render him a valuable auxiliary to a worthy cause ; 
while he sincerely sympathized with the sufferings 
through which the noble-minded youth had main- 
tained his allegiance to the new-found truth. He 
expressed his surprise that so near a relative as his 
uncle could undertake the cruel office of perse- 
cuting him, even though holding the mistaken 
opinion that it was right to do so. Hugh replied 
that it would seem so to any one unacquainted 
with the despotic character of Popery. 

“But,” he added, “those who wed the Church 
of Rome must, to the utmost extent of the require- 
ment, ‘forsake all others, and cleave only to her.’ 
Earthly ties are dissolved ; they ‘ know no man 
after the flesh,’ and their vows to this effect are 
most solemn and binding. 

“ My uncle was only in the line of duty when he 
forgot his sister’s son in the stubborn apostate; 
and, whatever his love for me might have been, he 
was bound to suppress it from the moment of my 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


277 


dereliction, and pursue, with zealous wrath, my 
willful heresy. His oath as a bishop containing 
this clause, ‘ I will persecute and attack all here- 
tics.’ Even the people at large are impressed with 
a sense of this duty; and my poor father, who 
loves me as his life, and whose heart is almost 
broken by my departure from the ‘ true faith,’ would 
gladly, if I were now in his power, hand me over 
to the tender mercies of the Church, to be dealt 
with according to her severe judgment, and, as he 
would piously believe, for my soul’s benefit.” 

Denis warmly congratulated his friend upon his 
escape from a thraldom so oppressive as the Catho- 
lic priesthood should be to one of his ingenuous 
nature; and, having now accomplished all his busi- 
ness, he retraced his way back to the inn, still 
accompanied by Hugh, who wished to enjoy his 
conversation as long as possible. 

That Denis had been the instrument in the hand 
of God of leading him to a discovery of the truth, 
and a relinquishment of false doctrine, Hugh never 
for a moment doubted ; and the circumstance seemed 
to form a bond of union between the young men, 
which, in addition to their mutual admiration of 
each other’s excellent qualities, placed them upon 
terms of friendly intimacy, with which no disparity 
of social position could interfere. It was, therefore. 


278 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


with sincere pleasure that Hugh heard of the pro- 
jected alliance of his humble but esteemed friend 
with his little cousin Norah; while, at the same 
time, he expressed the liveliest regret that the un- 
happy spirit of intolerance should have prevented 
his acquaintance with his worthy and respected 
aunt. 

Many promises of continued regard were ex- 
changed by the young friends before they parted ; 
and an agreement entered into that a correspond- 
ence should be opened and carried on between 
them, so that separation or distance should not 
impair their intimacy. 

There was great joy in Mr. Cunningham’s family, 
as well as in the cottage of Mrs. Carroll, when 
Denis, on his return from the city, related the par- 
ticulars of his interview with Hugh Gallagher ; 
though it was not unmingled with regret that the 
young man must henceforth be separated from 
friends and country, which, from the warmth of his 
disposition, were known to be inexpressibly dear 
to him. But the promise was not forgotten that 
applied to all such as he : “ There is no man that 
hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or 
children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall 
not receive manifold more in this present time, and 
in the world to come life everlasting.” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


279 


In a few weeks Denis received a letter from 
Hugh, written in London, informing him of his 
gracious reception by the British Conference, and 
their acceptance of him as a preacher in their com 
nection, for the usual term of trial, namely, four 
years. His first appointment, which he had just 
received, was to a circuit in the Highlands of Scot- 
land, whither he was to repair without loss of time 
in company with his senior colleague ; and he be- 
sought the prayers of his friend that he might be 
enabled to labor faithfully in the vineyard of his 
Lord. 

The contents of this letter also gave much satis- 
faction to those interested in the young convert, all 
of whom were sanguine of the success with which 
his piety, zeal, and talent should be followed ; for 
though, in consequence of his extreme youth, being 
scarcely nineteen years of age, his judgment and 
knowledge could not be nearly matured ; yet such 
was his energy, faith, and devotion to his Master’s 
cause, that great results were anticipated from his 
labors among the simple and enthusiastic Celts. 

Martha Cunningham alone, when the subject was 
discussed in her father’s parlor, seemed to entertain 
a dissentient opinion respecting the field of useful- 
ness in which the young preacher was placed. 

“ I am sorry he did not remain in England,” she 


280 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


observed, in her usual quiet and practical manner, 
“ they want preachers so badly there.” 

Every eye was turned inquiringly toward her; 
but she was not interrupted, and it soon appeared 
that the amiable girl’s sympathies had been aroused 
by an account which she had lately read of the 
spiritual destitution of a large portion of the English 
people. 

“It’s mournful to think of the ignorance and 
immorality that prevail in the collieries,” she said, 
her mild eyes moistening, and her thoughtful coun- 
tenance becoming sad in its expression; “and in 
the mining districts the people are in a state of 
lamentable depravity ; while the factory towns over- 
flow with vice and irreligion. Oh ! I wish we had 
many more young men like Hugh Oallagher, whom 
we could send over to try and reclaim some of the 
poor degraded creatures !” 

“ O, Martha, Martha !” exclaimed James, “ ‘careful 
and troubled about many things ! ’ Do you really 
mean to say that missionaries are needed in Eng- 
land, among that proud and enlightened people? 
And is it, indeed, to members of John Bull’s family 
that you attribute ignorance, depravity, degradation, 
etc. I’m astonished, sister, mine. Why those are 
the very people who plume themselves above all 
mankind upon their superior intelligence and knowl- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


281 


edge ; and whose philanthropic exertions, in behalf 
of all the nations of the earth, are so much lauded. 
Take care that you are not mistaken respecting 
those collieries, mines, and factories. Are you sure 
that they are within the compass of most excellent 
England?” 

“ Now, James,” interposed Mrs. Cunningham, 
“ you must not laugh at your sister.” 

“ O no, mamma,” said the young man; “ I am 
only warning her against placing those nurseries of 
wickedness in England — respectable and immacu- 
late England ! who is so pure and perfect that she 
is able to advise, correct, and dictate to every other 
country in the world. Vice and irreligion within her 
borders ! Why, Martha, how can you believe it ? 
She, that entertains such a pious contempt for all 
error and evil, lifting up her holy hands while she 
bemoans the poor ‘benighted Irish.’ Indeed, you 
ought to be made fall on your knees and beg 
mighty Britain’s pardon for suspecting her of con- 
taining one dark corner in her brilliantly illuminated 
land.” 

A laugh, in which Martha herself joined, followed 
this lively sarcasm, after which the conversation 
returned to Hugh Gallagher and his disappointed 
father, and the probable chances of their ever being 
reunited. 


282 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


At the cottage of Mrs. Carroll the same subject 
was discussed at the same moment — Denis having 
carried his friend’s letter there to show it to the 
widow and her daughter, both of whom were, of 
course, deeply interested in their young relative, 
with whom, though they had never had any per- 
sonal acquaintance, they now felt themselves upon 
terms of the most affectionate consanguinity ; and 
Mrs. Carroll’s regard for her intended son-in-law 
was not diminished by the circumstance of his 
being the indirect means of drawing another of 
her family from under the despotic sway of Ro- 
manism. 

The four years of his probation the young 
preacher spent traveling in the Highlands of 
Scotland, and, at the end of that time, he was 
received by the British Conference into full con- 
nection, and ordained to the ministry of the Gospel 
of Christ “ by the laying on of the hands of the 
presbytery.” 

We need not stay to trace his after career. But, 
reader, have you not heard of a comet that blazed 
over the Caledonian hills, bringing light and glad- 
ness to many a Gaelic heart? — that shone and 
sparkled with celestial fire, warming and irradiat- 
ing those wild and frozen regions ; while thousands, 
in the far-off distance, wondered and admired ? — 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


283 


that moved with glowing, steady course, scattering 
refulgent rays and sparks of living glory abroad, 
around, throughout the land, until the mighty in- 
fluence was felt from shore to shore, and million 
voices shouted joyful praise? Reader, that blazing 
star, that burning comet, was the whilom Catholic — 
the Bible convert, that has been introduced to you 
under the name of Hugh Giallagher. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the 
desires of thine heart . — Psalm 37 : 4. 

I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be 
carried away captive. — Jer. 29 : 14. 

In due time, Denis Martin completed the term of 
his apprenticeship ; when, with the small premium 
usually bestowed by the Foundling Institution upon 
her worthy children, he found himself his own mas- 
ter, and arrived at the full period of man’s estate. 
There was nothing now to prevent the fulfillment 
of the contract between him and Norah Carroll. 
It was, therefore, arranged that they should be 
married early in the ensuing summer ; when he 
should become a resident of the pretty cottage, 
which his own hands had, in many ways, embel- 
lished — his continued services being retained by 
Mr. Cunningham at the highest rate of wages. 

The spring work was favorably progressing. All 
was cheerful activity at the farm, and Mrs. Cun- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


285 


niiigham was busily engaged in the garden with 
Protestant Byrne, and a young lad who had taken 
Denis’s place since more important functions had 
been committed to him, when, one day, the busy 
household was startled by a post-chaise driving 
rapidly to the door, and two strange gentlemen, 
one of them in the garb of a priest, alighting, in- 
quired for Mr. Cunningham. Eliza, who happened 
to be at leisure, immediately appeared, and, show- 
ing them into the parlor, said that she would send 
a boy to seek her father, who was at home, though 
not in the house. The messenger was soon dis- 
patched ; when, reentering the room, the young 
lady seated herself at a small work-table, where a 
needle lightly occupied her fingers, while she mod- 
estly replied to the polite remarks of the gentlemen 
until the arrival of her father, when she quietly 
withdrew. 

Upon the entrance of the farmer, the strangers 
arose ; when he of the secular cloth, after apologiz- 
ing for their unceremonious visit, introduced his 
companion as the Rev. Mr. Nolan, and himself as 
Charles Matthews, solicitor and law-agent, Kildare 
street, Dublin. Mr. Cunningham, with his usual 
hospitality, bid them welcome ; and, having re- 
sumed their seats, Mr. Matthews politely stated 
that the object of their visit was to make inqui- 


286 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


ries respecting a young man called Denis Martin, 
who, they had been informed, was in Mr. Cunning- 
ham’s employment. This being assented to by the 
farmer, questions followed as to how long the youth 
had resided with him, whence he had received him, 
and what his exact age might be. Having received 
satisfactory replies, Mr. Matthews then proceeded 
to inform Mr. Cunningham that facts had just come 
to light which clearly proved that the Foundling 
was no other than the son and heir of a gentleman 
of rank and fortune, who in his infancy had been 
clandestinely removed from the parental care, and 
effectually concealed in the asylum for destitute 
children, in order, as it now appeared, that he 
might obtain a Protestant education — his father 
being a staunch member of the opposite faith. 

The fate of the lost child, Mr. Matthews con- 
tinued, was now disclosed by his maternal aunt, 
who had herself accomplished his abduction, in 
obedience, as she alleged, to her sister’s dying re- 
quest. He being now of age, and his principles, 
of course, established, the necessity no longer ex- 
isted of withholding him from his family. She 
therefore wrote to his father, confessing the part 
she had acted, explaining her reasons, and revealing 
the means of discovering his son. In pursuance of 
the directions contained in this letter, the family 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


287 


chaplain had hastened to Dublin, and, procuring the 
cooperation of his patron’s law-agent, the necessary 
investigation had been made at the Foundling Hos- 
pital, and the long-lost heir traced to his present 
abode. 

Mr. Cunningham’s surprise and delight, at the 
strange good-fortune of his faithful servant, knew 
no bounds ; and he had scarcely patience to hear 
the gentleman to the end before he hastened to 
summon his wife, that she, too, might be made 
acquainted with the good news, and to dispatch a 
messenger for Denis, who was plowing in a distant 
field, that he might learn the long-concealed story 
of his birth. 

“ Kun as fast as you can,” he exclaimed to the 
boy who was starting on the errand, “ and tell him 
to come at once — to leave the' plow standing in the 
furrow, and to make all haste home, as I want him 
on most particular business and, ejaculating 
“ Well ! well ! to be sure !” he hurried back to 
the parlor. 

Mrs. Cunningham soon made her appearance, 
fresh from the garden, the roses of health and hap- 
piness on her dimpled cheeks, and her blue eyes 
sparkling with gentle benevolence. She expressed 
the liveliest satisfaction at the happy prospects 
that had opened to the humble orphan ; and, in 


288 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


the midst of the remarks which the surprising story 
elicited, the hero himself arrived. 

“ Little Tom told me you wanted me, sir, in all 
haste,” he said, as he appeared at the parlor door. 

“Yes, Denis, come in!” exclaimed the farmer. 
“ Never mind your shoes, boy,” as he stopped to 
wipe them on a mat in the hall ; “ come along in ; 
here are two gentlemen waiting this half hour to 
see you.” 

Upon the entrance of the heir of Ballyshan, in 
the rough and soiled garb of a plowman. Father 
Nolan started to his feet. The lawyer, also, arose, 
and, with the coolness of one accustomed to the 
chequered scenes of life, accosted him respectfully, 
saying he had the pleasure of being the bearer of 
news concerning his family, from whom he had 
been long exiled. Denis bowed, and at Mr. Cun- 
ningham’s desire took a chair. The gentlemen also 
resumed their seats; and Mr. Matthews continued 
detailing, with slow caution, lest the sudden an- 
nouncement of his good fortune might affect the 
youthful heir, the particulars of his birth and 
abduction, and his discovery now after the lapse 
of twenty- one years. 

Our hero listened in silence, with his eyes fixed 
on the floor. That he was the son of respectable 
parents, legitimately born, and that his father lived 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


289 


and longed to see him, was all he heard. That his 
family was one of rank and importance, and that 
he was the heir of wealth and grandeur, had no 
effect on him. For irreproachable birth and honest 
parentage he had always sighed ; and now his heart 
sprung up with liveliest gratitude to the Giver of 
all good, that this one earthly boon was granted ; 
but riches he had not coveted. He had dwelt so 
long amongst those who, with mediocre means, 
enjoyed all the happiness of life, that he regarded 
the acquisition of mere wealth as a matter of minor 
concern, and one which could add nothing to his 
already brimming cup. And well it was for him 
that he so felt ; for he had yet to learn, what the 
wily lawyer did not disclose, that only by giving 
up his beloved religion could he ever hope to attain 
to the proud estates of his ancestors. 

His immediate departure for the home of his ex- 
pectant father was now urged; and, after hastily 
arraying himself in his Sunday suit, he announced 
himself as ready to accompany the gentlemen. 
Blessings and congratulations were poured on him 
by the kind-hearted farmer, to which his heart was 
too full to reply ; but Mrs. Cunningham, who entered 
more fully into the young man’s feelings than her 
loquacious husband could do, whispered, as she bid 

him farewell : 

13 


290 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“I’ll send word to Norah.” 

A look of grateful delight, and his tongue was 
loosed to utter thanks to the gentle woman, by 
whose tender care his mother’s place had been 
so well supplied. He also acknowledged his 
worthy master’s kindness, but was cut short 
with, 

“ Tut, boy, nonsense — why, savages couldn’t have 
treated you badly if you had been thrown amongst 
them. But run on now, you see the gentlemen are 
impatient to be gone. We did all we could to make 
them stay for dinner, but they would not. 0, 
dear ! how glad James will be, and all the chil- 
dren ; but good-by, good-by, my dear fellow, and 
write to me as soon as you can — we’ll be longing to 
hear from you.” 

A few hours’ quick driving brought the travelers 
to Dublin, where Denis was immediately taken to a 
tailoring establishment, and provided with a full 
supply of everything necessary to a gentleman’s 
wardrobe. Mr. Matthews then left them ; and the 
priest and his young charge retired to a hotel, in- 
tending, with the first light of the following morn- 
ing, to start post for Ballyshan. 

The bright beams of a genial spring morning 
shone with mellow light through the draperied 
windows of the old study where Mr. O’Dougherty 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


291 


awaited the arrival of his long-lost but never-forgot- 
ten first-born. 

Twenty-one years had considerably altered the 
young man whom we knew in the early part of our 
story. His slender form had expanded to a portly 
size, and his fresh, fair face had taken the hue of the 
rich wine which he imbibed ; while lines of pride 
and disappointment traversed his lofty brow, and 
his glossy hair was becoming slightly mingled with 
silver thread. 

“ They will leave with the first dawn, and travel 
post with all speed,” he repeated, referring to a let- 
ter that lay beside him. “ They must be here soon,” 
he added, glancing at his watch. “Who is he like?” 
he inquired of himself, after a pause, “ and how has 
he been educated? O, Ellen, dearest!” — and he 
raised his eyes to a female face which hung over 
the mantel-piece, and smiled upon him from its 
golden frame — “ Ellen, dearest ! you wronged me in 
this. Was I not worthy of the trust ? No, it wasn’t 
that ; but I should have brought him up in my own 
principles, and those her conscience condemned. 
0, Religion! how often human nature suffers in 
your name !” 

A few more restless minutes, and the revolving 
wheels of a post-chaise dashed swiftly up the prin- 
cipal avenue, and stopped before the marble portico. 


292 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ Announce my return to your master,” said Mr. 
Nolan, as the porter threw open the door for his 
admission, and the next moment the priest entered 
the study, followed by a stranger. 

Mr. O’Dougherty arose and welcomed Father 
Nolan home ; then, turning to the young man, who 
stood back shy and embarrassed, he invited him to 
advance. 

“You have been long absent from your father’s 
sight,” he said, taking his hand, which was as 
unsteady as his own from emotion. For a few mo- 
ments he regarded the face where his own youthful 
lineaments with those of his lost angel were blended, 
and then, with a sudden gush of feeling, casting his 
arms around the young man, the springs of nature 
gave way, and he sobbed forth, “ My son, my son !” 

At the same hour Mrs. O’Dougherty reclined in 
her luxurious boudoir, her breast laboring under an 
accumulated load of jealous excitement, occasioned 
by the sudden discovery of an heir who should 
supersede her son. She had always been aware of 
the existence of a child by her husband’s former 
marriage, but never anticipated his reappearing to 
mar the prospects of her darling. The latter, also, 
had shared her sanguine temperament ; so that the 
arrival of Denis at the Castle was to both as unex- 
pected as it was unwelcome. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE* 


293 


The lad, who appropriated such a large portion of 
his mother’s solicitude, now entered with an indo- 
lent and discontented air. 

“jBow/owr, mon said the lady, recognizing his 
mincing step, without, however, moving her delicate 
head from its easy posture. His muttered reply did 
not reach her ear ; but, after a few minutes, during 
which he had thrown himself into an easy-chair, 
and crossed his feet on an ottoman, his angry feel- 
ings found vent in words. 

“Well, maman,” he said, in a sneering tone, “I 
suppose, according to your wise policy, we ought all 
play submissive to this clown who is to be pro- 
claimed heir of Ballyshan.” 

“ Indeed, Louis,” replied the lady, turning her 
eyes upon her son with an expression of languid 
earnestness, “I believe the best course for us to 
pursue is to treat the young man with politeness, so 
that when he comes to be master here, we may 
receive the same from him.” 

“ The house of O’Dougherty will rise high when 
he comes to represent it,” responded the stripling. 
“Well, maman,” he added, impetuously, “I shan’t 
treat the vulgar clod with politeness; for I shall 
take no notice of him at all. It will be enough to 
see the honors of eldest son, which I have so long 
enjoyed, monopolized by a stranger; but to pay 


294 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


him court beside, that is too much, and I shan’t do 
it.” 

The dialogue was interrupted by a bright-eyed 
girl of twelve years, who exclaimed with animation, 
as she entered the room, 

“ 0, maman, I have seen him !” 

“ Seen whom, ma chere ?” 

“ My eldest brother, maman.” 

“ There,” said Louis, “ Charlotte has given him 
his title already. Who but herself would think of 
calling that low rustic, brother ?” 

“ I call him as papa introduced him to me,” 
retorted the child; “and he is neither ‘low’ nor 
‘rustic,’ but is as creditable an elder brother as the 
one I have been used to, and may easily be as kind 
a one.” 

“ Charlotte,” interrupted her mother, “ is it not 
time you were in the school-room ; Ma’am’selle will 
be waiting for you?” 

“ Yes, maman, I was just going when I heard 
Father Nolan had returned, and ran to get his bless- 
ing ; and he took me to papa’s study to see who was 
there. 0, maman, he is such a nice fellow ! We 
shall all like him dearly, except Louis ; but his love 
is no loss.” And, skipping past the enraged boy, 
who looked wrathfully after her, she left the room. 

Mrs. O’Dougherty regretted that Louis’ envious 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


295 


disposition should prevent his making friends with 
the new heir ; but she determined to order her own 
conduct towards him, so as to win his regard, 
shrewdly looking forward to the time — for “most 
men think all men mortal but themselves” — when 
she should be a dowager where she had so long 
reigned as mistress. 

It was this diplomacy of his mother’s, more than 
any partiality for himself, to which Louis was in- 
debted for being a privileged child ; and now, that 
the fortune, from which alone he derived conse- 
quence, had received another claimant, the policy 
that had set him up as a thing to worship was ready 
to fall down before his rival. He was a boy of 
unprepossessing appearance ; and his disposition, not 
naturally amiable, had been materially injured by 
the course of maternal indulgence of which he had 
been made the object. To his sister and younger 
brothers he was unkind and disagreeable ; to the 
servants, haughty and tyrannical. To his tutors he 
had even been disrespectful and troublesome, and to 
every one an object of indifference, if not dislike. 
But before his father his petty spirit had ever 
quailed. 

Mr. O’Dougherty, whose early disappointment his 
union with a woman of the world had not tended to 
heal, had gradually yielded to a severity of temper. 


296 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


the effects of which all around him were made to 
feel. He lived with his fashionable wife on terms 
of cool courtesy ; but that tender affection, for which 
his warm heart pined, had long been a stranger to 
the Castle. His children he fondly loved ; but with 
regard to Louis, he saw so much to condemn that 
his gentler feelings were rarely suffered to display 
themselves. It grieved him that, in default of his 
lost heir, he, to whom the honors of his ancient 
name should be transmitted, was incompetent to 
maintain them worthily, and this gave to his manner 
a tone of harshness that rendered him an object of 
fear to his ignoble-minded son; yet the younger 
children, and especially Charlotte, found not Mr. 
O’Dougherty a stern parent. He was not playful 
nor gay, sometimes not even cheerful ; but he was 
always kind, considerate, and desirous of their hap- 
piness. With the little boys he was strict and 
exacting, anxious to save them from the faults 
which displeased him in Louis; but to his daughter 
he was ever gentle. Worried by the caprices of her 
overbearing brother, to which the spirited girl would 
never yield, her childhood would have been a hard 
lot were it not that her father interfered in her 
behalf, and gave her that countenance and support 
which she failed to receive from her indolent 
mother. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


•297 


Such was the family that occupied the Castle 
when Denis, after an absence of twenty- one years, 
reappeared within its walls. The welcome he re- 
ceived from his father was genuine and sincere. For, 
though he did not think that the wife of his youth 
had dealt fairly by him in withdrawing her son 
from his care, yet the state of uncertainty regarding 
his fate, in which he had lived for years, added to 
the inquietude which Louis’ defects of character 
had long caused him, prepared him to receive the 
humble and long-estranged youth with hopeful anti- 
cipation. But, when he surveyed his manly form, 
and saw the gleams of intelligence and honor that 
illumined his mild countenance, while the familiar 
expression of his features recalled days of happiness 
at the time too slightly appreciated, we have seen 
how the strong man bowed, and dignity and pride 
alike yielded under the overflowing emotions of 
humanity. 

13 * 


CHAPTER XIY. 

Thou, 0 man of God, flee these things ; and follow after right- 
eousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. — 1 Timothy ^ 
6 : 11 . 

Long the father and son continued alone to- 
gether. Denis related all of his history which came 
within his recollection; and of the remainder Mr. 
O’Dougherty gave him the indelibly remembered 
particulars. The religious sentiments of the young 
man were also eagerly inquired into by his father ; 
and sad were the feelings which rose in his mind 
when he found that Protestantism, in its firmest 
and most uncompromising form, was seated in the 
bosom of his newly-found son. But he indulged 
himself with the hope, that Father Nolan might be 
able to effect a change in the feelings of the youth, 
by calmly conversing with him upon their different 
creeds, and judiciously pointing out to him the 
temporal as well as eternal advantages he should 


JBALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


299 


derive by a reunion with the Church of his ances- 
tors. 

In the details of his son’s story, Mr. O’Dougherty 
was particularly interested. At first he had felt 
deeply mortified that a child of his proud race 
should have been brought up by charity ; but while 
he conversed with the young man, and found his 
mind finely developed, and his general information 
extensive, he felt grateful to the noble Institution 
that had acted so generously by him in giving him 
the first branches of that education which his own 
good taste had improved. 

“I’ll send that house a thousand pounds,” he 
exclaimed, after a pause ; “ what it has done for 
you must be repaid and the proud man kept his 
word, bestowing upon the Foundling Hospital a 
larger private donation than it had ever before re- 
ceived. 

When Denis was presented by his father to Mrs. 
O’ Dougherty, the elegant cordiality of her recep- 
tion, and the familiar grace of her manner, produced 
the effect she desired, placing the unsophisticated 
youth immediately at ease in her presence, while in 
his heart he pronounced her the most charming 
woman he had ever seen. With the exception of 
Lady William Shannon he had never met a lady of 
so high rank before; but her ladyship’s mild and 


300 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


gentle manner, which won her the love and confi- 
dence of the humblest, was graciousness and conde- 
scension, while Mrs. O’Dougherty placed him upon 
a perfect equality with herself; even more, she 
showed him the most flattering attentions, and her 
conversation was both respectful and compliment- 
ary. 

Mr. O’Dougherty knew both her nation and her- 
self — Denis knew neither. And while the former 
looked on with contempt at the perfection to which 
art and dissimulation can be brought, the latter 
conversed freely with his fascinating hostess, de- 
lighted with the charm which he found in her 
society. Our hero, in the midst of his bewilder- 
ment at the sudden change which had come upon 
him, had looked with awe towards his meeting with 
this high-born dame ; but now, as he entered the 
dining parlor with her jeweled fingers upon his 
sinewy arm, and took the seat of honor by her side, 
he looked upon the stately home of his fathers with 
altered feelings, and thought it would not be so 
difficult to move through high life after all. 

There was no company at the Castle on the 
day of Denis’s arrival — Mr. O’Dougherty choosing 
that the meeting of the long-absent heir with the 
members of his family should be unwitnessed by 
strangers. But when he saw that, in spite of the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


301 


disadvantages of his life, the young man was 
neither coarse nor ignorant, and his appearance and 
manners were equally respectable, he felt desirous to 
present the future chief of his house to the neigh- 
boring gentry, and invitations were, accordingly, 
issued on their usually liberal scale. 

There was nothing about the restored heir of 
Ballyshan to denote either low breeding or plebeian 
association. His bearing was manly and respecta- 
ble, and his conversation sensible and intelligent; 
and, though he exhibited no courtly polish, nor was 
he versed in those ornate elegancies that distinguish 
the members of the beau-monde circles, yet his 
whole tone and manner spoke a consciousness that 
the dignity he derived from the uprightness of his 
heart, and the blood that flowed in his veins, needed 
not the addition of external embellishments, while 
they protected him from the reproach that might 
attach to his rusticity of life. 

Denis soon learned to love his little sister. She 
was a plain child, with straight black hair, and pale 
complexion; but the brightness of her eye and 
vivacity of her manner, betrayed spirit and energy, 
and her warm affections, hitherto repelled by all but 
her father, nestled themselves confidingly in her 
new and amiable brother. She received the ele- 
ments of a fashionable education from an accom- 


302 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


plished French governess ; but the moral culture 
of her fair and ductile mind was sadly neglected. 
A high temper, strong feelings, and sensitive nerves, 
alternately thwarted and soothed. No training hand, 
with gentle care, had pruned away the evil or fos- 
tered the good ; both had grown and strengthened 
together, until Denis found, what we often meet 
and lament over, a glorious disposition carelessly 
spoiled. His first meeting with the little girl was, 
as we have seen, in his father’s study on the morn- 
ing of his arrival ,* and then the look of trusting love 
with which she placed both her little hands in his, 
naively inquiring, “ Is he, indeed, my real brother, 
and will he stay with us now?” struck the young 
man as the prettiest welcome a returned exile ever 
received, and their subsequent acquaintance, which 
endeared them more and more to each other, became 
a source of happiness to each. 

With Father Nolan, also, our hero cultivated a 
friendly regard. He talked to him of his mother, 
and showed him the life-like delineations of her 
lovely face and form amongst the family paintings 
in the picture-gallery. The good priest had known 
and esteemed the gentle lady, and this alone formed 
a bond of union between him and her son, and often 
might they be seen walking together through the 
ornamental grounds and luxuriant gardens, the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. ;j03 

young man’s ears drinking in with avidity the many 
anecdotes of his sainted mother with which his 
reverend companion’s tenacious memory was stored. 
Their growing intimacy pleased Mr. O’Dougherty, 
who thought he saw in it a hope of the conversion 
of his son, which was now the object of his most 
intense anxiety, and, with earnest importunity, he 
besought Mr. Nolan to exert all his energies in the 
deeply interesting cause. 

Had Father Maguire yet lived, there is no know- 
ing what efforts might have been made towards the 
uprooting of heresy in the mind of Denis ; but that 
zealous apostle of Popery had met with his death 
by a fall from his horse at a fox-hunt, a few years 
previous, and the parish had since been superin- 
tended by a man of less fiery bigotry, and more 
Christian principle than his predecessor had pos- 
sessed. 

The family at the Castle were not so intimate 
with this gentleman as they had been with the 
former incumbent; for so much of his time was 
devoted to the duties of his office amongst the poor 
and scattered of his flock, that he had few oppor- 
tunities of enjoying social intercourse with his 
wealthy parishioners, and feeling that his pastoral 
obligations were well fulfilled by Mr. Nolan at the 
Castle, he seldom interfered with the religious juris- 


304 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


diction of its inmates. Now, too, when all the 
country round were moved with the strange event 
that had transpired in the family of Ballyshan, and 
his kind feelings urged him to make a congratula- 
tory visit on the occasion, he felt that the young 
heir’s heterodoxy was in good hands while in those 
of Father Nolan, and he saw no assistance that he 
could render in the case. 

With his maternal relations, also, our hero soon 
became acquainted. He had expressed an early 
desire to visit them ; and, accordingly, on the second 
day of his residence at the Castle, he mounted the 
horse which had been appropriated to his use by 
his father, and, piloted by Father Nolan, proceeded 
to Springfarm. Mr. Martin was aware of the return 
of his nephew to his hereditary home ; and, being in 
expectation of a visit, immediately recognized him, 
and received him with cordial affection. His aunt, 
also, and cousins welcomed their strange kinsman 
with unaffected pleasure, and even the presence of 
the priest did not restrain the ardent warmth of 
their greetings. 

A short visit could not suffice for all they had to 
talk about, and fain would they have kept him 
amongst them ; but his duty to his father was para- 
mount. He, however, promised to come soon and 
spend a whole day with them ; and, after an hour 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


305 


of the most delighttul intercourse, he took his 
departure. 

Before he left they gave him a letter, which had 
been directed to him, inclosed to his uncle, by his 
Aunt Kate ; and, immediately upon his return to the 
Castle, he hastened to his own apartment to peruse 
the communication of her who had been the instru- 
ment of effecting such a revolution in his destiny. 
It bore the same date, and contained the same intel- 
ligence as the letter she had addressed to his father; 
but, to the orphan son of her only and idolized sister, 
she wrote in a different strain from that in which her 
few formal lines to Mr. O’Dougherty were couched. 
To her nephew she related, as no other could have 
done, the touching story of his mother’s life ; detailed 
the painful particulars of her married lot ; and dwelt, 
with fond pathos, on the tender scenes of her death- 
bed. The struggle she had herself endured in the ac- 
complishment of her sister’s will was also portrayed ; 
and, lastly, that that dying saint’s loving, trembling, 
agonizing desire respecting her son’s education had 
been realized, was fondly and earnestly hoped. 

Over and over again, did Denis peruse this epistle, 
every line, every word of which struck the deepest 
chords of his heart ; and tears — ay, tears, reader, for 
men sometimes shed them, too — almost blinded his 
eyes. 


306 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ 0, mysterious Providence !” he exclaimed at 
last, “ how little does finite comprehension fathom 
thee. Here have I been the child of many prayers. 
While I believed myself only a desolate and destitute 
orphan — an outcast and a foundling — I was an object 
of intense interest to both the living and the dead. 
Sainted spirit of my mother ! thy prayers have been 
partly answered — partly and, casting himself upon 
his knees, with clasped hands and upturned face, he 
exclaimed : “ My Father and my God, perfect thy 
own work — ^let me not be partly but wholly thine. 

“ ‘ Take me, body, spirit, soul. 

Only thou possess the whole.’ ” 

The state of excitement through which he passed 
had scarcely subsided when the dressing-bell rung ; 
and traces of emotion were still discernable on his 
countenance when he entered the drawing-room. 
A large and brilliant company were assembled, to 
which his father introduced him in due form, and, 
listening to the congratulations of whom, the cloud 
passed from his brow, so that by the time, in obe- 
dience to Mrs. O’Dougherty’s arrangement, he pre- 
sented his arm to the daughter of a neighboring 
baronet to conduct her to dinner, his features had 
regained their usual expression of quiet cheerfulness. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


807 


If anything could have heightened the envious 
dislike with which Louis persisted in regarding his 
unoffending brother, it would have been the cour- 
teous attentions which he now saw paid him by his 
father’s guests, each of whom discovered, in the 
plain and unassuming youth, that mixture of manli- 
ness, kindness, and simplicity, which is above the 
reach of ridicule, and, supplying the place of grace 
and polish, forms the basis of true gentility. Re- 
spected he should be by all who looked upon his 
truthful and intelligent face, and admired he was by 
those who could appreciate merit unaccompanied by 
flippancy and fashion. But Louis saw nothing 
worthy and commendable in him by whom he was 
eclipsed and superseded; and the gnawings of jea- 
lousy and discontent, added to the usual unamiable 
expression of his countenance, made him look more 
repulsive than ever. 

The evening was spent, according to the maxim 
of the hostess, in enjoyment sans soucL 

Scores, who had not been invited to dinner 
thronged to the after entertainment; and the superb 
suite of apartments, thrown open for their reception, 
soon presented an array of glitter and gaiety dazzling 
to the eyes of our uninitiated hero. 

The ball-room, which was brilliantly lighted and 
supplied with a suitable band, was soon filled with 


308 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


the young and lively, while, of the older and more 
sedate, some found amusement at the card-tables, 
while others sat in groups conversing, or moved 
around amongst the social throng, finding pleasure 
in witnessing the pleasure of others. 

But of none of these classes was our hero. List- 
lessly he wandered through the gorgeous scene, 
while something within him seemed to murmur: 
“ This is no place for me.” But he feared to pay a 
slight to his father by withdrawing. It was a gala 
occasion. The son, who had been dead, was alive 
again — who had been lost, was found ; and the happy 
parent had “ killed the fatted calf to make merry 
with his friends.” 

Charlotte, who, according to custom, had been 
brought down by her governess for a couple of hours’ 
enjoyment, sought through the spacious rooms for 
her eldest brother. He was not where the merry 
dancers timed their buoyant steps to strains of glad- 
dening music. He was not where skillful fingers 
cast the conquering card in whist or loo. He was not 
amongst the laughing groups that lounged or pro- 
menaded through the luxurious saloons. But, at 
last, as the seeking child, whose flying hither and 
thither had attracted notice, was impelling her eager 
way through the delicious sweets of the conservatory, 
she discovered the object of her quest on a retired 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


309 


seat, in a musing attitude, his thoughts evidently 
engaged in other scenes than those which were 
passing around him. 

“Denis, why are you here, alone ?” was the loving 
inquiry, as she approached and slipped her soft hand 
into his. “Are you sick?” He shook his head 
negatively. “Or in love?” — and a mischievous 
smile succeeded to the look of sympathy her dark 
eyes had first worn — “thinking of some pretty girl, 
perhaps, who is not here?” 

“Yes, darling, you are right; I was thinking of a 
pretty girl who is not here.” But the reply was 
gravely uttered, and accompanied by a sigh. 

“ A very pretty girl?” inquired the child with in- 
creasing interest. 

“ Yes, the prettiest I ever saw,” 

“ O, tell me about her” — and with fond familiarity 
she seated herself upon his knee — “do you love her 
very much — does she love you ?” 

“ J don’t love her half as she deserves,” he an- 
swered in a sad tone ; “but she loved me with the 
purest, strongest, truest love — with a better love 
than I know how to depict, for it was that of a 
mother for an only child.” 

“ 0, I know whom you mean,” said Charlotte, in 
accents where levity no longer lingered ; “that beau- 
tiful lady in the picture-gallery — papa’s first wife.” 


310 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ Yes, love ; it was of her I was thinking and 
he clasped his little sister closer, and kissed her 
warmly in acknowledgment of her delicate intuition. 
“ I was thinking how, after reigning mistress of this 
princely castle, with every earthly joy within her 
reach — of youth, beauty, love, and riches — when 
she was called to give up her fair young life with all 
the splendor that surrounded it, her dying testimony 
was: ‘The O’Dougherty estates confer not happi- 
ness and her last wish for the unconscious babe 
whom she was leaving behind hfer, was, that he should 
resign the inheritance of his father’s wide domains, 
for the possession of one book written by the hand 
of God.” 

“A book!” repeated the child, in a musing 
tone; “did God write a book? I never heard of 
it.” 

“ Father Nolan can tell you all about it.” 

“ Has he one?” 

‘I don’t know.” 

“But you have ?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then you will tell me about it and her face lit 
up with intense interest. 

“ I will, with pleasure ; but we had better choose 
another time.” 

“ 0, no,” cried the child impatiently, “ let me hear 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


311 


it now — I am curious to know what God’s book 
contains.” 

Denis met her eager glance, and felt the nervous 
pressure of her hand, and lifted up his heart in 
prayer, that this desire for the knowledge of the 
Word of God might never pass from his sister’s heart 
until all her life and conduct should be brought into 
conformity with its divine precepts. 

And now the continued gaiety of the revelers was 
forgotten, and the sounds of their mirth passed un- 
heeded by, as Charlotte’s ears drank in, for the first 
time, the revelation of Jehovah to sinful man. 

We have said the little girl was plain ; but who, 
that saw her now — her usually pale face flushed 
with exciting wonder, her thin lips parted, and her 
dark, spiritual eyes, n^w gleaming with enthusiasm, 
and anon filled with crystal dew — but would feel, 
as Denis at that moment did, that she possessed a 
soul of most unspeakable worth ? 

Unwelcome to both were the sounds of approach- 
ing footsteps and voices which threatened to inter- 
rupt their interesting occupation; and the next 
moment Mrs. O’Dougherty herself, in the midst of a 
gay and distinguished party, came suddenly upon 
them. 

“ What, hiding here !” exclaimed the lady, “ and 
so many inquiries making for Mr. Martin O’Dough- 


312 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


erty. Charlotte, ma home enfant^ you monopolize 
your brother.” 

Denis, who had arisen at their approach, begged 
to exculpate his sister from the blame of his retire- 
ment, and, saying that he would again join the 
company that did him the honor of missing him, 
took the child’s hand in his, and returned to the 
joyous throng. But neither his own feelings nor 
those of his companion were in unison with the 
scenes by which they were surrounded. Their 
minds had been engaged in contemplating the vast 
concerns of eternity, and in picturing the joys and 
pleasures that are at God’s right hand for evermore ; 
and the glittering maze through which they moved 
— occasionally pausing to repay some flattering 
notice with polite attention — with all its proud 
seeming of happiness, appeared but like a gilded 
dream, as shadowy and as evanescent. They were 
not sorry when Ma’am’selle came to warn Charlotte 
of the hour ; and as soon as the duties of hospitality, 
which compelled his attendance at the supper- 
table, had been gone through, Denis also made his 
escape. 

Those apartments in the Castle, which had been 
occupied by the former lady of Ballyshan, had 
never been opened since her death. The gilded 
cradle of her baby had been conveyed thither, by 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


313 


his father’s orders, when every search for the miss- 
ing child had proved ineffectual. Then the suite 
of rooms, that love had so richly embellished, were 
locked up, and from that day had never known the 
signs of life. Once the present mistress had ven- 
tured to propose, when the Castle was crowded 
with company, that they should be opened for use ; 
but the reply of her husband was firmly decisive. 
He said he would add another wing to the noble 
building, if it was not sufficiently large for her 
ambition, but never, while he lived, should any one, 
who had not loved their last occupant, set foot within 
those sacred precincts. 

This evidence of enduring veneration for the dead, 
on the part of him who had torn her tender heart 
while living, had been revealed to Denis by Father 
Nolan, and the entrance to the forbidden ground 
shown him. What, then, were his feelings of grate- 
ful surprise, when, one day, on his return from a 
ride with Mrs. O’Dougherty, being summoned to his 
father’s study, the keys of those long-hidden cham- 
bers were put into his hand, with permission to 
enter and possess himself of any little mementoes 
of his mother which he might select? Our hero 
faltered his thanks, and, with a flushed face and 
nervous step, repaired to the untenanted quarter. 

The first apartment he entered was the dressing- 
14 


314 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


room, where the spider and the moth had arrayed 
themselves undisturbed for years. Dust lay thick 
upon every article, and the smell of mould was 
oppressive. Even the silence that reigned there 
was saddening. But how was his awe increased 
when he found himself in the bedroom — the cham- 
ber of death itself? Here everything bore evidence 
of the melancholy scene that had been last enacted 
within it. The mourning drapery still hung around. 
Light and gladness had, after a decent space, re- 
turned to other parts of the Castle ; but the couch, 
where its lovely mistress had reposed in life and 
death, had, for twenty-one years, continued to wear 
the garb of woe. 

A deep solemnity impressed the young man’s 
heart as he contemplated the gloomy grandeur with 
which sorrowing wealth had invested the greatest 
of human bereavements. By some strange impulse 
his thoughts suddenly flew to Norah, and, clasping 
his hands, while a deep groan burst from his over- 
charged bosom, he fervently murmured : “ O, my 
Lord ! save me from ever witnessing the early death 
of one so loved — so valued,” then added, in a calmer 
spirit, “ sanctify my afiections, and control them by 
thy grace, and then, ‘ not my will but thine !’ ” 

He next passed into a small closet, evidently 
appropriated to reading and devotion. A choice 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE- 


315 


collection of books from pious authors filled a glass- 
case on the wall; and in a neat ebony writing-desk 
were several manuscripts which indicated what her 
pure thoughts had been — outlines of sermons that 
she had heard with pleasure and profit, subjects of 
intellectual conversations that she had listened to 
or taken a part in, and extracts from works in which 
she had found instruction and comfort. Long -did 
the deeply interested youth linger in this deserted 
sanctum. Softly, with his handkerchief, did he re- 
move the dust from its simple treasures, and ten- 
derly did he press his lips to the delicate lines 
which had been traced by the gentle hand now 
bearing palms of triumph in the kingdom of eter- 
nity. 

On n, small reading-stand lay a Bible which had 
evidently been much used ; and, from the fact of 
only a low-cushioned stool being by the stand, it 
would appear as though the meek owner had studied 
the Sacred Word on her knees. Denis bowed before 
the book that had been his mother’s guide to glory; 
and reverently turned over its sacred leaves. Seve- 
ral texts he found lightly marked with pencil — one 
of which came with powerful force to his mind, as 
giving inspired direction to himself in the present 
important crisis. The passage was 2 Peter 3: 11; 
“Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dis- 


316 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


solved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in 
all holy conversation and godliness?” How fleeting 
and insignificant did earthly grandeur and greatness 
appear as he pondered over this solemn text ; and, 
with a renewed determination to abide by the Bible, 
and the religion it inculcates, even at the expense 
of all the world calls good, he arose from his knees, 
and, once more looking round upon the precious 
relics of departed purity, he slowly retired. 

A portion of each day was afterwards spent by 
Denis in these lonely apartments. His mother’s 
books were carefully read, and in that spot, where 
her bruised young spirit had often brought its 
burden of griefs and cares and laid them at her 
Saviour’s feet, did her son now hold communion 
with the God of her life and his, and receive 
fresh streams of grace and faith into his waiting 
heart. 

For several days our hero was fully occupied in 
attending his father while receiving and paying 
visits of ceremony. Much of his time was also re- 
quired by Mrs. O’Dougherty, who thought proper 
to appear so highly pleased with his company that 
she could not stir without him. More than a week 
had, therefore, elapsed before he felt himself free to 
fulfill his promise of spending a day at Springfarm ; 
but his kind relations did not attribute his absence 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


317 


to any unworthy motive, and on his second visit he 
was as warmly greeted as on his first. 

Thomas Martin had now a large family. His 
eldest son was a fine young man within a few 
months of Denis’s age. His eldest daughter, a 
lovely girl of sixteen, bore a name fondly familiar 
to the old homestead, and which sounded sweetly 
on her cousin’s ear — the name of Ellen. Indeed, 
all the happy group of five boys and three girls 
were well worthy of notice ; but we have not time 
to introduce them personally. What particularly 
pleased Denis was the affection that subsisted be- 
tween them — such as he had always seen at Mr. 
Cunningham’s. “ Christianity is the same every- 
where,” thought he, “ and those two families, though 
many miles apart, and unknown to each other, 
belong to the one great household whose Head is 
above the skies.” 

He found his uncle a pleasant and agreeable man, 
and his aunt a lively, active woman, and all lending 
their best endeavors to entertain and make him feel 
at home amongst them. 

At dinner he was introduced to our old friend 
Mr. Harman, who had come expressly to meet the 
restored son of his beloved pupil. The worthy 
curate had for several years past resided at the 
Glebe, and undergone all the duties of the parish — 


318 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


Mr. Knox having been long incapacitated by age 
and weakness from any exertion. He was the 
same humble, indefatigable, and devoted pastor of 
our early acquaintance ; and Denis, as he looked at 
his serene and spiritual countenance, and listened to 
his heavenly and intellectual conversation, no longer 
wondered that she, who had been brought up under 
the precepts and prayers of such a man, should 
have possessed a more than ordinary mind, and that 
when the work of grace was finished in her heart it 
should bring forth fruits in more than common per- 
fection. 

It was proposed that in the evening Denis should 
accompany Mr. Harman to the Glebe, that he might 
see the ancient couple whose infirmities prevented 
their coming to see him. The minister sat his usual 
time after dinner, and conversed sufficiently long 
with the young stranger to become satisfied that his 
views and principles were thoroughly orthodox, and 
that the plan of education, his dying mother had 
arranged for him, had succeeded to the salvation of 
his soul — for by this time it had spread through the 
country in what way the lost infant had been dis- 
posed of, and for what object — some condemning the 
foolish girls — the one for planning, and the other 
for executing, the cruel purpose which deprived the 
lad, for so many years, of the blessings of his birth- 


BALLYSIIAN CASTLE. 


319 


right — while others applauded the pious women 
who had despised for their darling a childhood and 
youth of ease and importance that he might obtain 
that knowledge which they believed to be so vastly 
superior. Of the latter number, of course, was the 
devout Mr. Harman ; and he heartily rejoiced that 
the pious scheme had been fraught with such ample 
success. 

While walking to the Glebe, the good curate 
adverted to the time when he first trod that road ; 
and proceeded to entertain his companion with the 
account of his arrival in the parish — a stranger 
amongst strangers. 

“ Your grandfather was a noble-hearted man, Mr. 
O’Dougherty,” he added, at the conclusion of his 
grateful tale ; “ and the greatest honor you may 
derive from the rank of your father’s family, cannot 
entirely overbalance the respect that must attach to 
the virtuous character of your maternal ancestors.” 

“I am aware of it, sir,” replied Denis ; ‘‘ and, but 
that a Christian has nothing to do with pride, I 
should feel boastful of the relationship.” 

“ True, my son,” responded the holy man, “pride 
has no place in the heart where Jesus abides ; and 
better would it have been if you had continued 
through life ‘little and unknown, prized and loved 
by God alone,’ than to be restored to the blessings 


320 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


of rank and ancestry, if they should open a channel 
in your bosom for the entrance of that unholy pas- 
sion which God hates, and by which angels fell.’’ 

They now approached the gate which opened 
upon the neat lawn that fronted the Rectory, and a 
clean gravel-walk brought them in a few minutes 
to the door. 

Mr. Harman showed Denis into the drawing-room, 
and left him while he went to apprise Mrs. Knox 
of his arrival ; and in a short time he returned, sup- 
porting the old lady on his arm. Her appearance 
was strikingly interesting. Her face possessed strong 
intellectual beauty, and her keen, black eyes, which 
she used without the assistance of glasses, bespoke 
a soul which no effort of time could rob of its vigor. 
She was attired in a dress of plain gray silk, her 
neck was covered with the folds of a clear muslin 
handkerchief, and over the smooth bands of her 
white hair was a cap of the same simple material. 
Tears sprung to her eyes at the sight of Denis ; and 
“ poor little Ellen” were the only words she uttered, 
as she took his hand in both of hers. But her strong 
self-command prevented further emotion, and the 
next moment she was conversing calmly with him, 
and leading him out to a display of his feelings and 
sentiments. 

As she never absented herself long from her aged 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


321 


partner, who was much more helpless than herself, 
she soon arose, and proposed that they should ad- 
journ to Mr. Knox’s apartment, who now seldom 
came down stairs. They found the venerable saint 
dozing in a large arm-chair in front of a low fire, 
and, that they might not disturb his light repose, 
took their seats around him in silence. A feeling 
of solemn reverence filled the mind of Denis as he 
gazed at the superannuated man of God. An expres- 
sion of childlike sweetness dwelt on his placid 
features, while his gentle breathing resembled the 
happy stillness of an infant’s slumber. Presently a 
smile broke round his withered lips, and his eyes 
softly opened. Immediately his wife was at his 
side. 

“ Daniel’s in heaven now, dear,” he said, looking 
in her face; “I’ve just been talking to him about 
the time he was in the lions’ den. He thinks very 
little of it now. Wasn’t it he who spoke of ‘light 
afflictions which are but for a moment V ” 

“ No, love, it was St. Paul. The words are : ‘ Those 
light afflictions, which are but for a moment, shall 
work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal 
weight of glory.’ ” 

“ Yes, dear, you’re right; it was St. Paul — I knew 
it was some of them.” 

“TAey are the only authors he remembers now,” 
14 * 


322 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


said Mr. Harman aside to Denis, “ though one of the 
best classical scholars in the country in his day.” 

Mrs. Knox now mentioned the name of their vis- 
itor, and directed her husband’s attention towards 
him. The rector looked at our hero, and, inclining 
his silver head, invited him to sit nearer to the fire. 
Upon a hint from Mr. Harman, Denis drew his chair 
closer to the old gentleman, while his wife pro- 
ceeded to tell him who their guest was. 

“ Do you remember Mr. Martin, love — good John 
Martin ?” 

“ John Martin, John Martin,” he repeated, seem- 
ingly trying to collect his scattered thoughts, ‘‘ yes, 
I know John Martin, but this is not he.” 

“ O no, love, he’s dead; but do you remember his 
little daughter Ellen? — she married Mr. O’Dougher- 
ty of the Castle. Try and recall her,” persisted the 
lady; “ you loved her very much.” 

“Yes,” gently responded the old man, pressing 
his thin hand upon his temples, “ let me think. 
O’Dougherty — what part of the church is his pew 
in ?” 

“ 0, he doesn’t attend our church, love,” was the 
smiling reply ; “ but this gentleman will come and 
sit in our pew.” Then, turning to Denis, she added, 
“there is plenty of spare room in our pew, Mr. 
O’Dougherty, and you’ll find your uncle’s rather 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


323 


crowded. There are more young heads there now 
than there were when I can remember your mother 
sitting in it.” 

Denis thanked her politely ; but said he thought 
he should like to sit where his mother had sat. 

' “ Well,” said the old lady, kindly, ‘‘ that is natural. 
Then I must ask one or two of your cousins into 
our pew to make room for you ;” and she again 
turned to her venerable husband. But he was now 
bent forward, his hands folded on his knees, and his 
eyes fixed on the fire, as if absorbed in thought. 

“What are you thinking of, love?” tenderly in- 
quired his wife. 

“lam thinking, dear, of a text for my next Sun- 
day’s sermon.” 

“ I believe Mr. Harman will preach next Sunday,” 
quietly rejoined the lady. 

“ True, dear, Harman will preach,” he repeated, 
in a pleased tone. 

The aged rector had not entered the pulpit for 
seven years, and yet he every week consulted with 
his wife upon the subject of his next Sabbath’s dis- 
course. 

■ “But, Mr. Knox,” said his wife, laying her hand 
fondly on his, “I have not yet made you under- 
stand who this gentleman is, that has come to see 
you.” 


324 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ Very kind of the gentleman to come to see me,” 
he replied, turning his benign face towards Denis ; 
then abruptly inquired : “ Can you sing, sir But, 
without waiting for a reply, he leaned -back his 
head, and sung,^in low and querulous but musical 
tones, the old familiar Psalm : 

“ With one consent let all the earth 
To God their cheerful voices raise 
Glad homage pay with awful mirth, 

And sing before him songs of praise.” 

The last words of the verse were scarcely finished 
when his eyes closed, and he dropped again into 
one of those short dozes in which he frequently 
visited the land of the blest, and held commune 
with prophets, saints, and martyrs. 

Denis now softly took his leave of the aged 
matron, and, on descending from the chamber, ac- 
companied by Mr. Harman, he found John and Wil- 
liam Martin in the drawing-room, who had come 
that they might have the pleasure of walking back 
to the farm with their cousin. 

Tea was ready on their return, and, after an even- 
ing spent, as the day had been, in interesting conver- 
sation, our hero mounted his horse, and, with many 
promises to renew the happy visit, and a cordial 
good-night to his amiable relatives, galloped home 
to the Castle. 


CHAPTEE XY. 


Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of 
them : for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee, he 
will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. — Deut. 31 : 6. 

It must not be supposed that during all this time 
Denis neglected his friends at Friarsford. Upon 
the very first opportunity after his arrival he wrote 
a few lines to Mr. Cunningham, informing him of 
the safe termination of his journey, and the kind 
welcome he had received. In a few days he wrote 
more at large, inclosing, also, a letter for Norah, 
telling her his whole wonderful story, with which 
Mrs. Cunningham had made her acquainted ; but he 
knew she would rather hear it from himself. And 
he was right; for the simple maiden, when she 
heard of her lover’s elevation, had some doubts 
whether this great change in his circumstances 
might not alter the state of his affections also, and 
some high-born lady gain possession of that heart 
which had been devoted to an humbler object. But 


326 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


his affectionate letter soon put to flight all such 
misgivings ; and her mother, who had noticed her 
unusual dejection, was gladdened by her merry voice 
and smile again. 

Years afterwards, when life’s brightest sunshine 
illumined Norah’s path, she one day found, amongst 
some old papers, the following scrap in pencil, 
which she had evidently written during this period 
of painful doubt ; 

Lost, lost to me — a lofty name 

And proud inheritance are now his own ; 

While all the pleasures wealth and rank bestow 
Along his shining path are thickly strown. 

Lost, lost to me — ^I’aised to his native sphere, 

Hence his mind ’mongst kindred minds shall gleam ; 

And the glad hopes, once built on humble love 
And cottage bliss, no more shall be his theme. 

I blame him not ; and yet methinks had I, 

By sudden fortune, become rich and great, 

The veriest happiness my wealth could buy 
Would be his sharing of my high estate. 

But such is woman’s love — a heart’s full tide 
Of gushing tenderness and endless faith, 

Uninfluenced by change of time or scene — 

Immovable in life — unchilled in death. 

Nor was the cottage girl’s humble name unknown 
at Ballyshan. Denis, when relating to his father 
the history of his life, did not fail to mention his 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 327 

engagement, though the account brought disap- 
pointment with it — hopes having been entertained 
that he might be induced to form a Catholic alli- 
ance. Charlotte, also, had won from her brother 
the story of his youth; and often, when walking by 
his hand, or seated on his knee, she lured him to 
talk of his absent love, until her own warm heart 
learnt to know the gentle maiden, and to love her 
as a sister. 

“ I long to see Norah,” she would exclaim; “will 
you not bring her here, Denis, when you are mar- 
ried ?” 

“ I think not, darling,” was the reply. “ I feel 
out of place myself amongst all this grandeur, and 
I fear it would be no home for my little rustic 
love.” 

“Nonsense!” cried the enthusiastic child. “ Where 
would your place be if not in the halls of your 
fathers ? and what home more fitting for the bride 
of your choice ?” And Denis felt that in one heart, 
at least, nature had never been crushed out by 
worldly policy. 

The affection that subsisted between the little 
girl and her new brother had become the chief 
charm of her life. He was the first that had ever 
shown a decided interest in her, and appeared never 
weary of her companionship. Her mother was too 


328 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


indolent and too fashionable to be troubled with 
her ; and her governess, except what duty required, 
took no further notice of her. Louis never made 
himself even tolerable to her, and with her younger 
brothers she was only welcome as long as she joined 
in their games. Father Nolan she liked because of 
his gentle ways ; but the good priest was shy of her 
sex, and his blessing and a few kind words were all 
she ever received from him. To .the numerous 
visitors who frequented the Castle, her want of 
beauty rendered her unattractive ; and the trifling 
consideration with which her mother regarded her, 
laid their politeness under no tax to pay her par- 
ticular attention. And thus the child’s life was a 
lonely and unloved one ; and her proud heart silent- 
ly writhed under her neglected lot, and paid back 
with scorn and hatred the discourtesy of an unsym- 
pathizing world. How dreary did the time some- 
times appear to her isolated spirit, as she cast away 
toys, books, and work, in succession, and longed for 
some one to speak to her. 

“No one loves me,” she would often murmur, 
“ because I am not handsome, except papa, he loves 
me a little ; but 0 I not half as much as I love him.” 
And then she would wonder if the strong tide of 
love, that she felt welling up in her bosom, would 
ever find an object to flow out upon. “ They don’t 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


329 


know me,” ske would say ; “ they don’t imagine 
what a wealth of love they deprive themselves of by 
repulsing my affection.” 

But now, at last, a star had risen on her solitary 
path. Kind glances met hers, soft words replied to 
her, and a tender interest was manifested in all her 
concerns. A tacit conciliation seemed to have been 
effected between her and the world, the look of 
contempt and defiance passed from her brow, and a 
ray of inward happiness gilded her haughty features. 

The conversation, which had been commenced on 
the evening of the ball, was returned to on the first 
opportunity, and a new source of knowledge was 
opened to her intelligent mind, which was doomed 
to supply her after-life with a means of happiness 
that would compensate well for the world’s heartless 
smile. That book, whose value the price her bro- 
ther had paid for it well attested, she longed to 
possess, and Denis, who delighted to comply with- 
so worthy a desire, immediately presented her with 
one. 

“ This I received as a premium at a Sabbath-school 
examination,” he said, as he placed it in her hand, 
“ and, if my father has no objection, I shall be happy 
at your keeping it for my sake. The one I always 
use is the same that I was given when leaving 
school, and I have now got possession of that which 


330 


EALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


had been my mother’s, so you are not depriving me 
by accepting it.” 

“If papa has no objection!” repeated the child. 
Upon her mind that sentence had impressed itself, 
and Denis found himself under the necessity of ex- 
plaining to her that her father’s Church, of which she 
was a member, did not patronize the holy book, and 
that he possibly might object to her reading it ; so 
that she had better consult him before she opened 
it. “But is it not the real, true Scriptures?” she 
hastily inquired. 

“ Yes, it certainly is,” was the reply. 

“And did you not tell me that our Lord com- 
manded us to ‘ Search the Scriptures V ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then I’ll read it.” And her thin lips compressed 
themselves, and the old look of haughty defiance 
gathered on her face as she clutched the book to her 
bosom. 

Denis sighed, and, gently taking it from her hand, 
opened at the twentieth chapter of Exodus, and, 
returning it to her, placed her finger on the Fifth 
Commandment. She looked up with surprise : that 
she recognized as part of a lesson she had learned in 
her catechism, though she had never received the 
account of its authorship, nor been taught how to 
practice it properly. She now cast her eyes on the 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


331 


ground with a puzzled look ; then, lifting them full 
of moisture, inquired, meekly, 

“ Tell me what to do 

Denis laid his hand upon her dark hair, and kissed 
her brow. 

‘‘ Go to my father,” he said ; “ show him the book, 
and ask him if you may keep it.” 

She instantly turned, then paused and hesitated, 
and again bounded forward — while Denis lifted up 
his heart in prayer that her request mjght be favor- 
ably answered. 

Charlotte found her father engaged with Mr. 
Nolan ; but, as she knew she was not unwelcome 
to either of them, she approached confidently, pre- 
sented her book, and asked permission to retain it. 

“ Certainly, child,” replied Mr. O’Dougherty, 
“ keep it if you like ; but I think there are more 
books in the library than you’ll ever read.” 

“Yes, sir,” she said ; “ but this book is not in the 
library.” 

“Ha! what is it, then?” he inquired, wondering 
if there was any book of importance that had not 
found its way into his collection. 

“ The Bible, sir,” replied the child timidly, and 
holding it tighter as she spoke. 

“0, the Bible,” said her father; “I don’t know 
anything about it. What does Father Nolan say ?” 


332 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ I have nothing to say against it,” answered the 
priest; “and I think she might be allowed to keep 
it for being such a good child as to come and ask 
leave to do so.” 

Charlotte could have kissed him. Her eyes were 
eloquent of thanks. She did press her lips to her 
father’s cheek, by whose side she stood ; and left the 
room with a happy heart. Verily, Father Maguire’s 
influence no longer clouded Ballyshan. 

But let us remain and discover the subject that 
occupies the attention of Mr. O’Dougherty and his 
reverend friend. It is not the first time they have 
conversed upon the same theme ; and they both feel 
a strong interest in it. 

“I cannot bar the entail,” said Mr. O’Dougherty, 
after a long pause, “and I would not if I could. 
The Catholic religion has been the religion of the 
O’Dougherty’s since time immemorial ; and ought 
to be until time shall have an end. No, he must 
return to the Church he was baptized in ; there is no 
other way of securing his birth-right.” 

“ He does not appear to me to have the least 
intention of doing so,” replied the priest, mildly, 
“ though I have several times hinted at the terms by 
which his inheritance was bound.” 

“Well, we should try something stronger than 
hints, I think, now, Mr. Nolan,” observed his patron. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


333 


“ I am anxious to see what your good, sound argu- 
ments coul d do. The boy cannot have much learning, 
and he’s not obstinate.” 

“ True, he has neither learning nor obstinacy,” 
responded his reverence; “but he’s well-grounded 
in the principles of his creed, and enthusiastically 
attached to it.” 

“Indeed, I have not very strong hopes myself,” 
rejoined his father, sadly, as he glanced up at the 
portrait that smiled on him from the wall, and 
recalled the time when all his efforts for her conver- 
sion were ineffectual. “No,” he resumed, “my 
hopes are not strong ; and yet, I would make any 
sacrifice to bring him round. He is a worthy 
fellow ; and it is not his fault that he was reared in 
error.” 

“ I feel as you do,” said Mr. Nolan, “ that he ought 
to be a Catholic ; and that I would make any sacri- 
fice to induce him to become one ; and if you think 
my arguments would be of any avail, I shall be 
most happy to put forward my best efforts in the 
cause.” 

“ I know that, Mr. Nolan. Well, we’ll put it off 
no longer. I’ll send for him to-morrow to my study, 
and you’ll please to come and talk to him in my 
hearing.” 

The worthy priest expressed his perfect willing- 


334 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


ness to do so ; and for that time the conference 
ended. 

And now a second controversial dispute was pre- 
paring for our hero : but this time more important 
results were at stake than on the former occasion, 
and his antagonist was possessed of far more sagacity 
and tact than his boy-opponent had been. Mr. 
Nolan had closely and accurately observed Denis ; 
and he saw that he possessed a mind that was not 
easily to be swayed from what he believed to be 
right ; and that belief, he also saw, was grounded 
upon reason and conviction, not upon education or 
habit. Had his creed merely grown out of the 
latter, he might have been persuaded to change it 
for a newer or a better ; but when it became a fixed 
principle, deliberately persevered in after a thought- 
ful and thorough investigation of its nature and 
merits, it was not to be so easily eradicated. 
Nevertheless, the priest thought it his duty to com- 
ply with the wishes of his patron, in faithfully 
recommending, to the consideration and acceptance 
of his son, that form of doctrine which was so inti- 
mately connected with his interests. 

Denis obeyed his father’s summons, on the morn- 
ing in question, with ready acquiescence, and 
entered the study with a calm though firm and 
thoughtful brow. He surmised the object for which 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


335 


the interview had been appointed, and was glad of 
the opportunity to declare his sentiments fully, and 
so put the matter to rest forever. Mr. O’Dougherty 
opened the conversation by requesting his son’s 
attention to the subject of their family history. 
The name, he said, was ancient, honorable, and 
Catholic. The representatives of their house had 
succeeded each other for centuries in an unbroken 
line. No blemish had ever appeared on their 
escutcheon. No taint had ever sullied the purity of 
their faith. And, in order that the race should con- 
tinue, through successive ages, unalloyed by the 
streams of apostasy that might flow around them, 
the succession had been restricted, by the most 
stringent entail, to the “male heir professing the 
faith of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.” Such 
was the family mandate; and it could not be 
deviated from. It was, therefore, necessary that 
Denis, being ostensibly heir to the estates, should 
comply with the stated requirement, or forfeit his 
inheritance. 

“I have sent for you this morning, my son,” 
added the father, “to hear what course you are 
inclined to pursue ; and to offer you the assistance 
and instruction that Mr. Nolan is willing and com- 
petent to bestow towards the right understanding 
of the doctrines of that Church in which you were 


336 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


baptized; and I hope you will sufficiently regard 
your own interests to give the subject your most 
sober and mature consideration, and open your mind 
to the reception of light and guidance before you 
make the important decision.” 

This straightforward course on the part of his 
father, operated favorably on the young man’s mind, 
and encouraged him in the candid avowal of his 
feelings and opinions. He explained, with full and 
lucid exactness, all the articles of his faith; and 
pointed out clearly and minutely the particulars in 
which he differed from the Catholic creed. He 
displayed a more extensive acquaintance with the 
tenets and history of Romanism than his father had 
given him credit for ; and Mr. Nolan sat absorbed in 
admiration of the perfect good feeling with which 
he maintained his own views, in contradistinction 
from those he repudiated. The priest sought to 
advocate his Church on the plea of its priority of 
age ; but even that claim Denis would not 
admit. 

“ Where was it, sir,” he inquired, when St. 
John received his revelation in the island of Pat- 
mos? Then mention was made of the seven churches 
of Asia, but Rome was not one of them.” 

This argument was combated upon the ground 
that the seven churches of Asia being alone men- 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


337 


tioned in St. John’s vision was no proof that there 
was no church then existing at Rome. 

‘‘But I think it does prove, sir,” said Denis, 
“ that the Roman was not the only church of early 
Christianity, nor yet the first.” 

“But it was the one established by St. Peter as 
Christ’s vicegerent; and, while all other churches 
tottered and gave way before the march of time, it 
stood firm and indestructible, because it was founded 
on a rock.” 

Denis shook his head. “ That’s disputed ground, 
Mr. Nolan,” he said, mildly, “ upon which I cannot 
venture with you. It has been asserted by his- 
torians, whom / believe^ that St. Peter never saw the 
city of Rome; and the ‘rock,’ commentators, in 
whom I trust, have explained to mean the Truth of 
Christ's divinity which had been revealed to the 
heart of Peter by G-od himself. But, as to the 
Church of Rome having stood against the shocks of 
time, I consider that no evidence of its orthodoxy. 
Mahomedanism has stood, Judaism has stood, even 
Paganism has stood, and they shall all stand until 
the end of time ; for we are told that the tares and 
the wheat shall grow together until the harvest, 
and then the first and final separation shall take 
place.” 

“ But if, as you allege, the Church of Rome is not 
15 


338 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


orthodox, how can you account for its being the 
only form of Christianity for so many centuries 

“ I don’t admit, sir, that it was the only form of 
Christianity during the time you allude to. I be- 
lieve there were candles burning in many lonely 
and obscure places, which kept the light of the 
Gospel softly beaming, until God arose in his power, 
and fanned it into a flame. The Church was too old 
at the entrance of error, and there were too many 
iron hearts in her who had bravely withstood the tor- 
ments of persecution, to suppose that there were not 
many who, at the invasion of falsehood, withdrew 
from the community which she had corrupted, and 
carried the Gospel and its mild creed along with 
them. But this is old ground. Father Nolan. I 
know all that has ever been said on your side, and 
could repeat all that has ever been advanced on 
mine, only that I don’t like controversy, and would 
rather not continue it.” 

“ Then let us leave the beaten track of contro- 
versy,” interrupted his father, “ and simply ask you, 
if the religion you profess is the same with early 
Christianity, and agrees with that the Church main- 
tained before those errors you speak of made their 
appearance ?” 

“I cannot answer for all its forms, sir, but in its 
essentials it is.” 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


339 


“What are they?” 

“ The principal one is the free use of the Bible, 
the suppression of which was the first downfall of 
Kome.” 

“The Bible had to be taken from the hands of 
the ignorant,” said the priest, “ because they put 
many false interpretations upon it, and disunity be- 
gan to arise in the Church in consequence ; but the 
judicious use of it by the wise and the lettered was 
never forbidden.” 

“ The Scriptures had been subject to various 
interpretations from the beginning, and even as 
early as the apostles’ days we find new sects had 
arisen ; but it was not thought necessary on that 
account to deny the book of life to the people ; on 
the contrary, the reading of God’s Word was en- 
joined as a duty by the inspired writers themselves. 
Neither did taking the Bible from the people pre- 
vent disunity in the Church ; for it was not until 
after this that the baneful schism of Arian ap- 
peared, which rent her very vitals apart. Besides, 
sir, I cannot agree with you that it was only the 
ignorant from whom the Bible was withheld. It 
was a sealed book to every one — so much so that it 
disappeared from the hands and the minds of the 
people. It was forgotten — lost. Even the priests 
knew nothing of it ; and Luther, who was educated 


340 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


for tke Church, and brought up in a monastery, 
never saw or heard of it until he found a copy by 
chance, clasped, and covered with dust, in some ob- 
scure corner of the library at Erfurt. And what 
darkness must have still prevailed, when, in the 
middle of the fifteenth century, a German monk 
preached a sermon in which he told his audience, 
‘ A language has been lately invented called Greek. 
This Greek is the mother of all schisms ; and in it a 
book hath been written which is called the New 
Testament, and in which are many perilous pas- 
sages. Another language also hath arisen, which is 
Hebrew. Whosoever learns the same becomes a 
Jew.’ ” 

“Your reading has been well selected, Denis,” 
observed Mr. Nolan. “ You have consulted none 
but Protestant authors.^ 

“ I took the broad page of history, without preju- 
dice, sir,” was the reply, “ and gave credence to that 
only which could not be controverted.” 

“In what other essential does your religion 
agree with primitive Christianity?” inquired Mr. 
O’Dougherty. 

“ In having a church without a pope, sir,” replied 
his son. 

“ But we lelieve there was a pope from the begin- 
ning,” said the priest, “ though not under that title, 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


341 


who was acknowledged supreme head of the Church 
by the whole Christian world, until the impious 
Henry tho Eighth cast off his allegiance, and Eng- 
land established the first church without a pope ; 
and to that you owe your religion.” 

“ I beg your pardon, sir,” said Denis, firmly ; 
‘‘ I owe my religion to my mother — and she had 
hers from as long a line of ancestors as my father 
proudly traces back. They brought their pure 
faith from the valleys of Piedmont, where a church 
without a pope had existed for centuries. No, sir, 
you are mistaken ; England has not the honor of 
establishing the first church without a pope. There 
were many portions of the Christian world who 
never bowed to the papal yoke, though sorely they 
were persecuted for it — my own beloved country 
for one.” 

“What! Ireland?” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“Why, surely Chi'istianity was first published 
here by St. Patrick, and he was a missionary sent 
by the pope.” 

“St. Patrick was certainly the first Christian 
missionary who preached here ; but he was not sent 
by the pope, nor was the religion that he propa- 
gated Romanism. He preached the pure doctrine 
of the ever-blessed Trinity, and salvation by the 


342 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


blood of Christ. His followers were the Culdees, 
over whom the See of Rome had no control. It 
was then Ireland became a holy nation^ and won 
for herself from her sister kingdoms the title of 
‘Island of Saints.’ She endowed monasteries, or 
colleges of learning, and students and devotees from 
all parts of Europe flocked to her hospitable shores. 
She also sent missionaries abroad to lands which 
were yet in darkness, and many a Druidical altar 
fell before her emmissaries. But despotic Rome 
could not bear this ; and Pope Adrian arrogated to 
himself the prerogative of bestowing our beautiful 
and independent island upon his faithful vassal, 
Henry the Second, of England. The English mon- 
arch came here, and brought injustice, rapine, and 
Popery with him ; and so, sir, you see it was my 
father’s religion, not mine, that was imported from 
England.” 

Mr. O’Dougherty listened in astonishment to 
the youth, whom he had supposed to have been 
brought up in ignorance, fluently discoursing of 
events upon which even the most learned disagreed, 
and manfully maintaining his position against the 
arguments of Father Nolan, who ably contended 
that St. Patrick had indeed been commissioned by 
the pope, and had propagated the religion of the 
Church of Rome. The discussion, however, was 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


343 


finally given up, as neither could convince or be 
convinced. 

“But whether it be so or not,” said Denis, in 
conclusion, “it is beyond dispute that the pope 
was guilty of a most unpardonable outrage against 
the Irish people, in authorizing the aggressions and 
monopoly of England ; and if all my countrymen 
felt as I do on the subject, the Koman pontiff would 
nut have one adherent throughout the length and 
breadth of the land.” 

The conference terminated without anything being 
gained on the part of Mr. O’Dougherty but the 
knowledge that his son was, and would continue, a 
staunch and uncompromising Protestant, by which 
he must necessarily forfeit his birth-right, and retire 
to the obscurity and seclusion of humble life. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : for when he is 
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath 
promised to them that love him . — James 1:12. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of 
life.— 2 : 10. 

Mrs. Q’Dougherty, whose ideas of religion, in 
connection with worldly interests, were such that' 
she never imagined the possibility of Denis’s resign- 
ing his patrimonial estates for conscience’ sake, at 
first received the strange intelligence with incre- 
dulity ; but when the fact was confirmed to her by 
Father Nolan, the pleasure it occasioned was visibly 
expressed. She again saw her own son heir of Bal- 
lyshan ; and Louis, in consequence, recovered all 
his old importance in her eyes. The pedestal upon 
which Denis had stood, since his arrival at the 
Castle, sunk from under him. Madame did not 
think it necessary to be at the trouble of continuing 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


345 


her hypocritical display of regard and admiration; 
and her fashionable visitors followed her example. 

This change in the treatment he received had no 
other effect on our hero than to make him long for 
a return to the society of those who loved him for 
himself alone. He also remembered that the time 
appointed for his marriage was approaching; and 
though he knew his gentle Norah would wait for 
him if he tarried a year, yet he saw nothing in the 
life he was at present leading^ which could conipen- 
sate him for the happiness he expected to enjoy 
with her. He, therefore, seized an early oppor- 
tunity of laying the case before his father; and 
entreating his permission to return to Friarsford, 
and complete the terms of his engagement. 

' Mr. O’Dougherty heard his son’s request with 
fresh pain; but he did not attempt to oppose his 
purpose. The young man, by persisting in the 
religion in which he had been educated, had himself 
severed all ties between him and his kindred ; and 
now, if he preferred the friends and connections of 
his youth and his adversity, to the grandeur and 
luxury that surrounded him in his father’s halls, 
why not permit him to gratify his taste? Mr. 
O’Dougherty kindly inquired as to his 'wishes for 
the future ; and, upon hearing that he had no higher 

ambition than to devote his life to agricultural pur- 
15 * 


346 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


suits, said, it would be easy to furnish him with 
means to gratify his moderate desires, offering to 
put him into immediate possession of his mother’s 
portion, with the interest that had accumulated 
upon it since her wedding day. This amounted to 
what Denis considered a very handsome fortune, 
and he felt that he and Norah would both count 
themselves quite rich in the enjoyment of the com- 
forts which it was sufficient to procure for them. 

But there was one in the Castle to whom the 
news of Denis’s approaching departure brought no 
pleasure. To Charlotte, who had never before 
known the happiness of congenial intercourse, the 
amiable and intelligent brother had become surpass- 
ingly dear, and the days and weeks after he should 
be gone presented an aspect so dreary to her view, 
that the sensitive child could not bear to contem- 
plate it. And she expected no sympathy in her 
regrets for him ; for she saw the satisfaction that 
her mother and brothers took no pains to conceal, 
and she heard the polite congratulations of her 
governess to Mrs. O’Dougherty and Louis, upon the 
security which was now afforded to the aggrandize- 
ment of the latter. 

One day, as she entered the library to procure a 
book that she wished to read, she perceived Louis 
reclining in his usual attitude of indolent ease, with 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


347 


his drawing materials around him upon which he 
was half dreamily engaged. 

“And so” — ^he said, with a malicious sneer, as 
she approached the part of the room where he was 
seated — “ so your plebeian brother is going back to 
his plow again — he ought never to have left it.” 

“Plebeian, do you call him?” said the spirited 
child, turning a look of cold contempt on the pue- 
rile youth ; “ he would be more like a patrician, even 
following a plow, than you could be as heir of 
Ballyshan. Here!” she exclaimed, as she looked 
into a book that she had just taken from the shelf, 
“list what the poet says: 

“ ‘ Pigmies are pigmies still, though perched on Alps, 

And pyramids are pyramids in vales.’ ” 

Louis seized a compass which lay at his hand, 
and flung it at his sister’s head ; while his eyes 
glared, and his features quivered with rage. Char- 
lotte uttered a shrill cry, as she sprung aside to 
avoid the instrument, and at that moment the door 
opened, and Mr. O’Dougherty appeared. 

“ What is all this ?” he demanded, as his daugh- 
ter, running towards him, threw herself into his 
arms in a passion of tears; and Louis sat with a 
sullen scowl on his sinister countenance. “What 
is the matter, Charlotte?” again inquired her father. 


348 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


“ He called my brother Denis a plebeian, sir !” she 
vehemently exclaimed, “ and I could not bear it, so 
I retorted, and told him just what I thought, and 
then he threw his compass at my head; but it 
didn’t hit me.” 

Mr. O’Dougherty’s eyes turned upon the culprit, 
who sat cowering beneath his glance ; and the next 
moment his strong voice was heard in those low, 
firm tones which betokened intense anger : 

“Arise, Louis, and come forward and the com- 
mand was tremblingly obeyed. “Could you find 
no better terms in which to speak of your father’s 
eldest son than those which you have just used? 
and do you dare to raise your hand to throw a mis- 
sile at your sister?” He paused, but there was no 
reply. “ Go to your own apartment,” he resumed, 
“and never again set your foot in this room, or any 
other which belongs to the family in common, until 
I give you leave. Send your servant to remove 
those things, and let me see your face no more 
until I ask for you.” 

This was peremptory, and the boy slunk away 
without a word ; while Charlotte, who had recov- 
ered from her agitation, left the library by another 
door, and hastened to the school-room. 

Mrs. O’Dougherty, to whom her son immediately 
communicated his disgrace, was indignant that her 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


349 


husband should have inflicted so severe a punish- 
ment for what she deemed so slight an offense. 
She, therefore, after waiting awhile until his anger 
should have time to appease a little, sought Mr. 
O’Dougherty to endeavor to obtain a mitigation of 
the sentence. But she did not find her husband in 
the mood which she had hoped. His manner was 
stern and unbending. Her pleadings for her spoilt 
boy were scarcely heeded, and her promises for his 
amendment treated with disdain, until, finding that 
her submissive tone was of no avail, she threw off* 
the disguise which she had placed over her feelings, 
and, with her natural imperiousness, exclaimed : 

“That farm-girl’s son is of more consequence 
than mine !” 

Mr. O’Dougherty sprung to his feet, his breast 
heaving with boiling wrath. 

“ Madam,” he hissed, “ that farm-girl’s son is as 
far superior to your son as she was superior to 
you.” 

He turned again to his seat; and his wife sub- 
dued, though quivering with envy and rage, left 
the room. 

This occurrence did not tend to make Denis’s 
stay at the Castle more pleasant. He was deeply 
grieved that discord should have entered the family 
on his account, and besought Father Nolan to q;cert 


350 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


his influence towards the restoring of peace ; while 
he hastened the preparations for his own retreat 
from a scene which was each day becoming more 
distasteful to him. And yet his parting from his 
newly-found relations had sadness in it, as he had 
formed an intention, if Mrs. Carroll and Norah did 
not object, of emigrating to the New World imme- 
diately after his. marriage, where he thought he 
could procure land on much more advantageous 
terms than at home, and expend his fortune to 
much greater profit. In this case he could not 
hope to visit Ballyshan again ; and the farewell he 
was about to take must be a last one. 

The day of Denis’s departure at length arrived. 
He had made his farewell visits at Springfarm and 
the Rectgry, and taken a kindly leave of all whom 
he esteemed in the neighborhood. The poor, too, 
in whose minds his presence had served to recall 
the memory of her who had been a ministering 
angel amongst them — who had followed his foot- 
steps with blessings and prayers during his brief 
sojourn in their midst — now wailed forth their dis- 
appointment that one so good, and so kind, and so 
like her whose loss had never been replaced, was 
not to be master after all. 

The breakfast-table, on the last morning which 
Denjs spent in his father’s family, presented a dull 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


351 


and silent group. Different were the causes which 
operated upon each mind, so as to occasion the con- 
straint ; but all seemed relieved when the formal 
meal was ended. 

Denis took a respectful leave of Mrs. O’Dougher- 
ty and all the party before they withdrew, as he 
intended to start immediately. His luggage was 
all ready, and the traveling carriage, which was to 
convey him to the post-town, was at the door. He 
had spent the morning in his mother’s apartments, 
then locked them up and returned the keys to his 
father, having first taken possession of every porta- 
ble memento of her which they contained — not the 
least valuable of which was a beautiful miniature 
painting, representing herself and his father, which 
had been executed in Dublin shortly after their 
marriage, and had hung in her dressing-room ever 
since. 

The final parting of the father and son was pain- 
ful but short. Both endeavored to control their 
feelings with manly restraint — though there were 
dim eyes and unsteady words, to show that nature 
would not be put down. 

And now the last scene was closed — the last 
adieu was spoken. The servants, who were assem- 
bled in the hall, had uttered their respectful wishes, 
and Father Nolan had fervently bestowed his bene- 


352 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


diction, when, suddenly, the folding-doors, which 
communicated with the grand stair-case, were 
thrown open, and Charlotte, with a wild hysterical 
cry, rushed forward and cast herself upon her broth- 
er’s bosom. Denis clasped her to his heart, and 
kissed her again and again, while every eye rained 
sympathy around. 

“ Charlotte, dearest,” he faltered, “ we shall meet 
again. Eemember, love, there is a country where 
brothers and sisters never part.” 

But her only response was a closer embrace, and 
the impetuous cry, that rose with mournful cadence, 
“ Take me with you ! take me with you !” 

Mr. O’Dougherty, whose noble heart was torn by 
this exhibition of suffering on the part of the sensi- 
tive child, now approached, and, taking her gently 
from her brother’s arms, conducted her to his study; 
while Denis, supported by the kind-hearted priest, 
passed through the open door, descended the marble 
steps, and, entering the carriage, sunk back in the 
seat in a whirl of emotion. Meanwhile, Charlotte 
continued to sob on her father’s bosom — the tears 
streaming over her pallid cheeks, and her slender 
frame writhing with agitation. Despair, also, seem- 
ed mingled with her tones, as, lifting her face to the 
one which bent sadly over her, she murmured, as if 
in apology for her excessive grief. 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


353 


“ O, papa ! I have no brother like him.’* 

“And I” — was the answer that came in low and 
broken accents from the depths of a riven heart — 
“ I have no son like him.” 

With the generous impulse of her nature, the 
child’s tears were instantly checked. Here was 
greater sorrow than hers ; and her deep and respect- 
ful sympathy with her father’s suffering prevented 
any further display of her own. But, twining 
her arms fondly around his neck, and laying her 
moist face upon his shoulder, she resolved, with all 
the energy of her character, that he should at least 
have a daughter who would be all to him that a 
daughter ought to be. 

A long time they sat thus. At length Char- 
lotte’s thoughts found expression, and she inquired 
suddenly, 

“ Papa, will my brother Denis be indeed a plow- 
man ?” 

“ Your brother Denis will be a gentleman while 
he lives, my love,” was the reply. “His birth 
entitles him to that rank, and I am sure he will 
never forfeit it by his conduct. Look at this” — and 
taking up a book which lay near, he opened it, and, 
having turned over the leaves to a certain place 
handed it to her, saying — “ see what the law says 
on the subject.” 


354 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


And the child read aloud: “A gentleman, of what 
estate soever he be, although he go to plow and 
common labor for his maintenance, yet he is a gen- 
tleman, and shall not be named, in legal proceedings, 
yeoman, husbandman, or laborer.” 

A conversation ensued between the father and 
daughter, which revealed the most amiable feelings 
of each ; and their hearts were drawn together more 
closely than they had ever been before, which after- 
wards contributed much to the happiness of both. 

Denis arrived at Friarsford in due course. But 
need we dwell at large upon the circumstances that 
followed ? Is it not enough to say that he was hap- 
pily married to his beloved Norah ? And Mrs. Car- 
roll not objecting to cross the ocean once more, he, 
as soon as was convenient, took passage for Canada, 
having first written a most affectionate letter to 
his Aunt Kate, in which he made her acquainted 
with his plans, and expressed a fond hope of soon 
enjoying a personal interview with one so deserved- 
ly dear. 

And now, reader, if ever you should be traveling 
in that beautiful region, you will find, contiguous to 
the shores of the noble Lake Superior, a large and 
richly-cultivated tract of country, in the midst of 
which U seated a respectable little town, called by 


BALLYSHAN CASTLE. 


355 


the ancient name of “.Erin.” In its vicinity is the 
substantial and elegant residence of the hero of these 
pages ; and, as he calmly walks the smooth path of 
life, surrounded by a large and lovely family, he pre- 
sents a living illustration of the fulfillment of the 
inspired promise: “ Blessed is the man that walketh 
not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in 
the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the 
scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; 
and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And 
he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of 
water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; 
his leaf also shall not wither ; and whatsoever he 
doeth shall prosper.” 


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